President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that the Federal Government has initiated measures for proper resettlement of flood victims when flood water recedes. President Jonathan gave the assurance yesterday while visiting flooded areas of Anambra State, during which he expressed shock at the level of destruction, but nonetheless assured that his Government has been following the development as it affected all the parts of the State. The President later visited one of the camps housing the displaced at Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, Anambra East, where he commiserated with displaced persons and assured them of Government's continued support. "Federal Government will work withthe State Government and other organizations to resettle the victims", the President said.
The President said the Federal Government Committee on flood disaster was set up to, among other things, explore ways to assist the flood victims to resettle and pick up theirlives after the crisis. He explained that some International Organizations were co-opted into the committee to attract external assistance to cushion the pains. He lamentedthe colossal loss suffered by the State, recalled the 1969 flood that preceded the completion of the Kangi Dam in 1970, assured that major embankment will be constructed on the Benue while the completion of Kasambila Dam in 2014 will help prevent future reoccurrence.
Governor Peter Obi, who cancelled his trip toJapan for the World Bank/IMF meeting to receive the President, thanked him for identifying with the State and noted that the visit has brought a lot of relief to the victims. He reported that the State has been totally devastated with many people displaced, noting that over twenty resettlement camps are today accommodating the victims in various parts of the State, with the Aguleri camp alone accommodating over 6721one victims.
The Anglican Bishop of Mbamili Diocese, Right Reverend Henry Okeke said most of the Local Government Area were totally submerged and recalled Governor Obi's relentless efforts in evacuating the victims and providing enough relief materials in the various camps. He solicited intervention of the Federal Government and international organizations in the rebuilding process as most of the victims are homeless.
Also speaking, the Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru, Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Ezeofor said most communities in Ogbaru had been totally cut off and called for concerted effortsto compliment what Governor Obi has done so far and help victims to rebuild from the ruins.
Caption for the picture
The camp at Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, which is one of the many camps for the internally displaced victims of the flood at Anambra State. Inset is the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan (right), Gov. Obi (middle) and the Head of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Uche Ekwunife during the President's visit to the camp yesterday.
Thats what we are facing in most part of the country.