Organization urges Anambra Govt to establish flood victims trust fund, welfare committee
The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to establish Flood Victims Trust Fund to deal decisively with recurring flooding in parts of the state.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr. Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call while speaking with the journalists in Enugu on the dreadful rate of destruction caused by current flooding in parts of Anambra.
Ezekwueme called on the state government to constitute men and women of impeccable integrity as Flood Victims Welfare or Rehabilitation Committee to ensure transparent and judicious disbursements of the fund to the authentic victims.
He stressed the need for sourcing of additional funds to provide relief materials, palliatives and prompt rehabilitation of individuals/families who suffered flood disasters.
According to him, the victims’ plight is so huge that the government alone cannot ameliorate their challenges, including loss of houses, source of livelihood, farmlands, crops, properties and others.
“It is very unfortunate and despicable that the flood is escalating due to torrential downpour.
“Unfortunately, it has extended to Onitsha North and Onitsha South council areas. Some parts of the Marine section of Onitsha Main Market have been submerged.
“I call on citizens, philanthropists and public spirited individuals to contribute generously towards upkeep of victims, their families, children and extended families.
“It is noteworthy that a friend is known in times of trouble, trials, temptations and tribulations not in happiness and merriments.
“Let us collectively, collaboratively and cooperatively wipe away tears, pains, sufferings and sorrows of victims of horrendous flood disaster in the state,” he said.
Ezekwueme also reiterated CLO’s earlier appeal to the Federal Government to provide palliates to the victims urgently, adding that their pitiable conditions and predicaments deserved immediate public sympathy, mercy and urgent attention.
“We appreciate Soludo’s recent visits to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and appeal to him to provide adequate basic necessities of life to the camps to make victims comfortable and cared for by the government,” he added.
