‘We Cannot Keep Living Like This’ Owerri Residents Seek Help as Floods Submerge Homes

‘We Cannot Keep Living Like This’ Owerri Residents Seek Help as Floods Submerge Homes

Residents of Umuguma Federal Housing Estate in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have appealed for urgent government intervention as flooding continues to disrupt life in the community.

The latest flooding followed two days of heavy rainfall, which left parts of the estate submerged and made several roads difficult to access.

Some homes were affected, while business owners were forced to shut their shops as vehicular and pedestrian movement became increasingly difficult.

The residents are calling on the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to urgently reconstruct the damaged roads and improve the drainage system, which they say has contributed to the recurring flooding in the area.

A resident, Chiamaka Enyinnaya, said floodwater had taken over sections of the roads, forcing commuters to wade through water while struggling to move around the estate.

She described the flooding as a recurring problem during the rainy season, saying it continues to disrupt businesses, social activities and the daily lives of residents.

A shop owner, Anayo Ikechi, blamed the situation on the deteriorating roads and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

“We are suffering seriously because of this flooding. Anytime it rains, movement becomes almost impossible,” he said.

“People cannot go out for work, children find it difficult to move around, and businesses are affected. We sincerely appeal to the Government to come to our aid.”

Commercial motorcycle operators have also been affected by the poor condition of the roads.

Ebuka, an Okada rider, said navigating the estate after rainfall had become a major challenge, with many riders avoiding the area altogether.

“Many Okada riders avoid coming here because the roads are in very bad condition. Those of us who come take huge risks,” he said.

“Water enters our motorcycle exhaust pipes and damages our machines. That is why transportation fares are higher whenever it rains.”

Another resident, Engr. Bethel, said the community had lived with the poor state of its roads for almost five years without any significant improvement.

He expressed concern that residents of a Federal Housing Estate located less than 30 minutes from the Government House could still be dealing with such serious infrastructure challenges.

“I have lived here for almost five years, and the situation has remained the same. It is unfortunate that a Federal Housing Estate located less than thirty minutes drive from the Government House still experiences this level of infrastructural decay,” he said.

The residents are urging the government to treat the situation as a matter of urgency by repairing the roads, improving drainage and introducing lasting measures to prevent recurring floods.

They warned that without prompt action, continued flooding could further disrupt movement, damage property, cripple businesses and worsen living conditions in the estate.