The Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State has sounded a distress call over the perennial flooding that plagues the region annually, leading to the destruction of multi-billion naira automated farms.
In a heartfelt plea for aid, community leader Dr. Patrick Sule Ugboma, on Wednesday, urgently implored both the state and federal governments to intervene and address this critical issue that threatens both livelihoods and economic stability.
Addressing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Ugboma directed a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) message to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the state capital.
His appeal urged the commission to prioritize the construction or rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomala-Ogwuikpele-Ase Azaga-Ndoni Road, which currently languishes in a state of disrepair.
Underlining the road’s profound economic impact, Dr. Ugboma emphasized its role in connecting the Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State with neighboring regions such as Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.
He stressed that this road is a pivotal conduit for trade and movement, and its dilapidation is hindering the transportation of vital cash crops from farms to the wider market.
Ogbaru, a local government area that spans Anambra State and lies along the coastal area east of the River Niger, grapples with both geographical and infrastructural challenges.
Dr. Ugboma elucidated that the people, predominantly farmers and fishermen, constitute the agricultural backbone of the surrounding states.
However, their efforts have been hindered by recurrent flooding and a crumbling road network.
The area comprises Fifteen indigenous communities, including Odekpe, Ohita, Atani, Akili Ozizor, Ochuche Umuodu, Umuzu, Amiyi, Ogbakuba, Mputu, Umunankwo, Ogwuaniocha, Ossomala, Obeagwe, Akili Ogidi, Ogwuikpele, as well as one non-indigenous community, Okpoko.
Dr. Ugboma lamented the toll that flooding has taken on the communities, rendering large portions inaccessible and decimating farming activities.
Moreover, he expressed concern about the Matucci Farms Limited, a multi-billion naira automated farm located in Agbobo Umuoga Ossomala community.
The recent flooding has forced the closure of this enterprise, leading to the loss of approximately 400 jobs and a consequential blow to the local economy.
The broader implications of neglect and lack of infrastructure investment have not gone unnoticed. Despite the presence of viable oil wells, Ogbaru struggles with poverty and underdevelopment, even as oil revenue flows into the state.
Dr. Ugboma’s appeal underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to mitigate flooding, repair vital infrastructure, and secure the livelihoods of those who rely on the land for sustenance and economic growth.
The plight of Ogbaru Local Government Area serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between infrastructure, agriculture, and economic well-being.
The clarion call for assistance echoes not only within the borders of Anambra State but resonates as a broader concern for the entire nation.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from both state and federal authorities to preserve the livelihoods of the people and to safeguard the economic prosperity of the region.
