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Residents of Umuguma Federal Housing Estate in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have appealed to the state government and relevant authorities for urgent intervention after severe flooding inundated their homes.

The affected residents are calling for immediate action to address the devastating flood, which has submerged roads and residential buildings across the estate.

They also urged the government to commence urgent road rehabilitation and improve drainage infrastructure to permanently tackle the recurring flooding and its impact on businesses.

According to residents, the flooding followed two consecutive days of heavy rainfall, leaving many homes underwater, disrupting vehicular movement, and forcing several business owners to shut down their shops.

One of the residents, Chiamaka Enyinnaya, told our correspondent that floodwaters overwhelmed sections of the roads, leaving commuters with no option but to wade through water while trying to access different parts of the community.

She explained that flooding has become a recurring problem every rainy season, creating serious hardship for residents as businesses and other daily activities continue to suffer repeated disruptions.

Another resident, Anayo Ikechi, who owns a shop in the area, blamed the persistent flooding on the deteriorating road network and inadequate drainage facilities, adding that the problem has continued to worsen despite repeated appeals to the appropriate authorities.

“We are suffering seriously because of this flooding. Anytime it rains, movement becomes almost impossible.

“People cannot go out for work, children find it difficult to move around, and businesses are affected. We sincerely appeal to the Government to come to our aid,” he said.

A commercial motorcycle operator identified simply as Ebuka also lamented the deplorable condition of the roads, saying the damaged infrastructure has made movement more difficult while exposing motorcycles to frequent mechanical faults.

He noted that operating within the estate has become an unpleasant experience that many riders now avoid.

“Many Okada riders avoid coming here because the roads are in very bad condition. Those of us who come take huge risks.

“Water enters our motorcycle exhaust pipes and damages our machines. That is why transportation fares are higher whenever it rains,” he said.

Another resident, Engr. Bethel, said the poor condition of the roads has remained unresolved for almost five years despite several complaints.

He stated that although residents have repeatedly appealed to the relevant authorities, they are still waiting for a permanent solution.

“I have lived here for almost five years, and the situation has remained the same. It is unfortunate that a Federal Housing Estate located less than thirty minutes drive from the Government House still experiences this level of infrastructural decay.

“We hope the government will give urgent attention to this community,” he said.

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