By Kamsi Anayo
At least 30 shops, electric poles, underground cables, water pipes, among others were washed away by flood at Ogbaru Relief (Main) Market, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Taking his executive members and newsmen round the market, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief David Obidike, with a former chairman of the market, Chief Victor Nwawuzie Akirika, said the incident happened within the week.
He appealed to the three tiers of government to come to their rescue.
“In the night, a few days ago, the Chief security officer of the market told me that devastating flood from Awada Area, has swept away some shops in the market.
“The flood overwhelmed the drainage system thereby wreaking havoc in the market.
“The damage was much. About 30 shops were washed away with the wares therein, the 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 got power supply for a month since the rainy season started and you can’t make a call, the market is in blackout and traders are using generator sets.
“Our market is 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 erosion menace.
“We thank God that we have watertight security outfit and since I assumed office as the chairman nobody has reported that his wares have been looted or stolen.
“I plead with our State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his hard working Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Obinna Ngonadi, including the Federal Government and all the National Assembly members within Ogbaru Federal constituency to come to our rescue as the extent of damages done is beyond our financial capability.”
