By Chris Awhawha, Warri
Residents of Esemokugbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have cried out to the state government for help as the entire community is submerged under water.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier warned flood-prone communities on imminent flooding in parts of the country.
New National Star, on Saturday gathered that the affected residents in the community have become homeless and moves around with wooden canoes for daily activities.
The residents called on the Delta State Government to rescue them from the ugly floods that has become the major seasonal challenge confronting the Community.
A native, Alaowei Cleric Ebikonbowei Esq, told newsmen that the community has been submerged by the flood and it will not recede until the end of November.
“The only means of movement in the community is by paddling canoe to visit one another all throughout this period. Relief materials distributed to the affected people are far inadequate. A person will not get more than one cup of rice,” Ebikonbowei lamented.
He urged the government to proffer permanent solution to the incessant flooding ravaging the community by reclaiming the land.
Ebikonbowei called on the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori as well as the lawmakers representing the community at the Delta state House of Assembly – Julius Pondi – Burutu Constituency, and Anthony Alapala Ebitonmo representing Burutu Constituency 1 to come to the aide of the residents.
“NDDC which is saddled with the responsibility of developing the Niger Delta region has not initiated any single project for the Community since its establishment in 2001.
“This Community needs immediate and long term government intervention to save the lives therein who are facing existential problem,” Ebikonbowei said.