Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday defied the torrential rain across the state to inspect the havoc wrecked by flooding in some estates in Awka and Onitsha. The governor, who was presiding over the weekly EXCO meeting, had to call it off following reports of collapse of buildings and flooding.

Governor Obiano who was amongst early callers at Udoka Estate where a couple were rescued ‎after the collapse of the wall of their building, and Ngozika Estate where another bungalow was submerged, called on Ndi Anambra to stop building on storm water ways and blocking drainage.

According to Obiano, “We have cautioned our people to observe basic rules and guidelines when embarking on the construction of their buildings. We can see that the rain are here and is causing havoc here and there. People should desist from dumping refuse and blocking drains because it contributes to what we are witnessing. Anyone caught in the act will contend with relevant laws and where found guilty will be punished.”

The governor expressed sympathy with the retired AIG Ikemefuna Okoye whose house was among the ones submerged and instructed that the occupants be lodged in a hotel for few days while remedial measures are made to check the flooding.

He also warned those whose buildings are blocking drains that the government will not hesitate to demolish them to save lives.

At 3-3 Onitsha where flooding eroded the foot of the bridge thereby obstructing traffic, Obiano observed that the building which caused the havoc has been pulled down as directed with the Nkisi flood channel opened for free-flow.

He stated that the rescue work on the bridge will be completed in two weeks and once more warned against blocking of the flood channel.

Similarly, facilities and fish worth millions of naira were destroyed at Abube-Nando as flood associated with yesterday’s rain which started by 7am lasted and up to mid-day emptied into the fish pond.

Engr. Chris Chukwuemeka, who owns the farms located between Oyi River and Anambra East local government area told newsmen that in addition, the feeds lost cost N1.5 million totally N7.5 millions of loss incurred.

According to Chukwuemeka, “I started breeding the fish on 12th march, 2015, and 20,000 pieces were due for maturity 12th August, before the flood menace.”

•Photo shows, L-R; Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, with Rtd AIG Ikemefuna Okoye (first left), whose bungalow was flooded at Road 16, Phase1, Ngozika Estate, Awka.