Tears in Umuojisi *CONSTRUCTION FLOOD DISASTER DESTROY 2KM RING ROAD, FARMS, HOMES; COMMUNITY BEG UZODIMMA TO INTERVENE* **Alleges Improper Water Channeling by Leo 9 Construction Company, **As Contractor Admits, Promises to Repair Damage

Tears in Umuojisi

CONSTRUCTION FLOOD DISASTER DESTROY 2KM RING ROAD, FARMS, HOMES; COMMUNITY BEG UZODIMMA TO INTERVENE

**Alleges Improper Water Channeling by Leo 9 Construction Company,
**As Contractor Admits, Promises to Repair Damage

Residents of Umuojisi Autonomous Community in Ideato South LGA of Imo State have appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene in a devastating flood disaster that has damaged approximately two kilometres of the community’s ring road, drainages and culverts, while threatening homes and livelihoods. The appeal followed a peaceful protest and an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas to draw the government’s attention to the worsening situation.

The community blamed the disaster on the alleged unprofessional channeling of floodwater into residential areas during the ongoing construction of the Okwelle–Isiekenesi–Ntueke road by Leo 9 Construction Company. Residents said the redirected floodwaters had overwhelmed existing drainage systems, causing extensive destruction and exposing properties worth millions of naira to further damage.

According to the community, roads, drainages and culverts painstakingly constructed through years of collective sacrifice and financial contributions have been severely damaged or washed away. Children are reportedly struggling to access schools, elderly residents face difficulties moving around, while traders and other residents experience disruptions to their daily activities. The people fear that another heavy downpour could worsen the devastation and endanger lives.

In a significant development, a representative of Leo 9 Construction Company, when questioned by journalists at the company’s yard in Isieke, reportedly acknowledged the unfortunate situation and promised that the company would take full responsibility for repairing all damage caused by the floodwaters. The representative also appealed to the residents to remain calm and exercise patience, assuring them of the company’s commitment to addressing the destruction.

The community leadership, however, insists that urgent action is needed to translate the company’s assurance into concrete results. The residents said previous attempts to engage the contractor had allegedly failed to produce a satisfactory resolution, prompting their peaceful protest to draw public attention to their plight and prevent further destruction.

The President-General, Mazi Mmadumere Chukwuma; Woman Leader, Mrs Eze Elizabeth; and youth representative, Chief Emeka Nelson, appealed to Governor Uzodimma to direct relevant government agencies to inspect the affected areas, properly re-channel the floodwater, and ensure the reconstruction of the damaged ring road, drainages and culverts. They also called for appropriate measures to address damage to affected homes and prevent a recurrence.

The residents stressed that they welcome development but should not have to pay such a devastating price for infrastructure projects intended to improve their lives. They therefore appealed to Governor Uzodimma, under his administration’s 3R agenda of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery, to urgently intervene before another heavy rainfall compounds their suffering. “Governor Uzodimma, please come to our rescue before we lose more roads, homes and possibly lives,” the community pleaded.

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