By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

No fewer than 300 shops, cables, water borne pipes and electricity poles at Relief Market in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have been washed away following a flood that submerged the market on Friday, June 24, 2022.

This was disclosed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chief David Obidike, during a tour of the affected areas with members of his executive and journalists.

Obidike said he learnt about the development through the Chief Security Officer of the market who called and told him that devastating flood from Awada Area, has washed away the market.

“On one of the nights few days ago, the Chief Security Officer of the market called me and told me that a devastating flood from Awada Area has washed away the market as the flood entered through the Sakamori (drainage) system in the market and uprooted it, thereby wreaking havoc in the market.

“The damages were much, about 10 shops were washed away with the wares in them, electric armoured cables, big water pipes and telephone cables buried underground were all exhumed and damaged by the flood.

“As I talk now, we have not gotten power supply for a month since the rainy season started, and you can’t make call, the market is in total blackout and traders are using generating sets.

“Our market is now in danger because it is situated in the notorious Upper Iweka axis, these hoodlums can easily come into the market through the damaged portions caused by the flood which was aided by erosion.

According to him, the only saving grace of the traders from theft has been that it has a team of dedicated security men.

While thanking God that they have watertight security, he said that since he assumed office as the chairman, nobody has reported that his wares have been looted or stolen.

He pleaded with Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Obinna Ngonadi, the federal government and all the National Assembly members in Ogbaru Federal constituency, to come to their aid; saying that the extent of damages was beyond their financial capability.

“We are making this appeal because if the rain comes again, more harm will be done to the market, let alone if the rainy season is over and nothing tangible was done," he added.

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