Flooding in Iju

  Blocked Drainages In Iju

” we often blame others for problems we create”

   Flood is a common natural disaster that occurs during rainfall. It is usually caused by an overflow of water that submerges dry land. Despite the fact that flood is a natural disaster, it can also be cause by man. (Poor waste management from households)

The residents of Iju Ishaga have been haunted by flood for several years and are still facing this challenge. Unlike other parts of Nigeria  The Government created drainages to channel water during the rainy season but some residents have turned these drainages to refuse dump. These residents dump refuse in the drainages hoping that the water flowing in them will carry the refuse away.

The effect of this is that the drainages get blocked with refuse stopping the flow of water. The water is then forced out of the drainage unto the road and sometimes into the compounds and homes of some residents.

  Some residents say the flood is a natural disaster and cannot be avoided others state clearly the cause but claim they are powerless to stop it. The major cause of the flood is ignorance. Also, failure for garbage dispose truck to come as at when due also contributes to this problem. Most of the perpetrators are oblivious of the repercussion of dumping refuse in the drainage. Apart from rendering the roads impassable, the stagnant water causes mosquito infestation and malaria as a result.

by:Onyemaechi Dumebi Emmanuel