Communities of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State are groaning over the devastating perennial flooding which has persisted for over sixteen years, with no permanent solution in sight.
Locals claim the overflow of two remedial dams every rainy season has continually cost them their sources of livelihoods, cut through the old Enugu-Onitsha road which is the only means of accessing their areas.
This is not a river, stream or waterway, but a completely constructed major road with asphalt overlay – it is the Ogidi axis of old Enugu-Onitsha road in Anambra State, South East Nigeria.
It’s just the start of the 2026:rainy season, yet locals, residents and road users are already groaning in pains following the submerging of the farmlands, businesses, homes and the old Enugu-Onitsha road, as the Nimet predicted flood impacts begin to manifest.
For over sixteen years, the people of Ogidi community have had to live with these pains, without any end in sight, though governments and politicians have yearly made unfulfilled promises.
This pregnant mother, Ogochukwu Nwabunwanne and another resident, Augustine Nwabunna have had bitter experiences of the flooding impacts, saying locals have fled the community after being rendered homeless.
While a few motorists brave it to cross the ocean looking flooded road, this tricycle operator, is not that lucky.
His tricycle popular known as Keke is stuck for more than forty-five minutes, costing him major repairs and frustration.
With unfulfilled promises at every yearly rainy cycle by governments, the people and residents of Ogidi community are getting increasingly frustrated and a feeling of being abandoned to their own fate.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
