Residents of Alor-Uno in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, have raised alarms over the devastating impact of floodwater diversion allegedly caused by government road construction.
Community members accuse Governor Peter Mbah’s administration of rerouting floodwaters into their village, threatening homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
Gloria Ogbonnaya, a resident of Achom village in Alor-Uno, lamented the dangerous situation her community now faces due to this diversion. Speaking from her home, which sits near the flood channel, she expressed fears of widespread displacement. “The government has redirected the flood towards us. Many families have abandoned their homes as the flooding has gradually led to severe gully erosion,” Ogbonnaya explained.
The crisis also affects local businesses. Cyril Attah, a trader in his fifties, described how floodwaters have eroded the foundation of his shop. “When it rains, my house floods. My son’s housing project is on hold because a deep gully formed close to his building site. This is man-made, and no one is listening to our pleas,” he shared.
The flooding has not only displaced residents but also destroyed farmlands. Attah added that farming in the area has drastically declined as crops are routinely washed away.
According to locals, the issue began in 2022 when the road construction started under former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration, and was compounded by ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s drainage works. Both projects allegedly directed water into Alor-Uno and nearby villages, resulting in the destruction of homes and farms. Despite government agencies visiting the affected areas, residents report no concrete solutions.
“We are waiting for the flood to kill us,” Ogbonnaya said, capturing the desperation felt by many. With homes collapsing and no action taken, the community fears they are being left to face an environmental disaster alone.
