Lawmaker laments flood deprives 5,000 farmers means of livelihood in C’River community

•  NEMA distributes palliatives residents

Credit: NAN

The Federal Lawmaker, representing Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency, on the platform of the APC in Cross River State, Ime Inyang, during the distribution of palliatives to the residents by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Urugbam on Wednesday, lamented no fewer than 5,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood to flooding in Urugbam community of Biase LGA of Cross River.

The federal lawmaker decried that several buildings were also destroyed by the flood which is the worst in the history of the community.

Represented by Gabriel Owali, the lawmaker who facilitated the palliatives, noted that aside NEMA, the people have not gotten any other intervention to cushion against the impact of the flood.

“We understand this won’t go round but we are appreciative of the federal government effort through NEMA on this palliatives,” he stated.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, noted that the release of the palliatives came following earlier assessments of the impact of the flood by the interventionist agency.
Represented by Mrs Mmendu Aisuene, the agency’s head of operations in Uyo, the NEMA boss appealed to the people to always heed to flood warnings.

According to her, “I know this palliatives won’t do the magic, but it will go a long way to cushion the effect of the flood.

“I want to also appeal to you to always listen to warning against flood by the federal government, if not for nothing but to save lives and other valuables.

“Am also telling us to avoid blocking the drainage channels and also avoid erecting structures on water ways.”

Meanwhile, the community emphasised that the distribution of the palliatives by NEMA took them by surprise as they have had to rely on relatives to feed.

A resident, Mr Okonli Ukan, while commending the federal government for coming to their aide, said they are yet to get over the destruction left behind by the flood.

The items distributed include rice, garri, seasoning, groundnut oil, among others.

NAN