Residents slam govt of ‘cosmetic projects’ as flood ravages Yola again
Residents of Jimeta, the administrative capital of Adamawa State have slammed the state government for embarking on cosmetic projects meant to impress visitors including the construction of several flyovers while doing little to address the perennial flooding ravaging underserved communities.
The residents made the comments after hours of torrential rainfall led to severe flooding which destroyed businesses, properties and displaced many residents.
Since it’s inception, Adamawa State government has expensed billion of tax payers money constructing no fewer that 6 flyovers, underpasses and grade interchanges.
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Tuesday’s flood came about two months after another devastating flood left a trai of deaths, destruction and displacement.
Government data indicated that no fewer than 30 lives were lost just as properties and businesses worth billions were destroyed.
Findings by this paper indicated that areas such as Rumde, Zango, Doubeli, Jambutu, Bachure, Wauru Jabbe etc were affected by the flood.
As the victims continue to count their losses, Tuesday flood struck again following hours of torrential rainfall leaving several communities submerged with furious residents describing the flood as imminently contrived due to government’s misplaced priorities and neglect of undeserved communities.
The flood according to residents washed through residential neighborhoods, destroyed property, and displaced families. Many of the affected areas were without proper drainage systems or accessible roads, a situation locals blamed squarely on years of neglect by the incumbent and successive administrations.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that households lost personal belongings, while businesses suffered extensive damage as shops and businesses were trapped in floodwaters, while residents waded through knee-deep water to salvage what they could.
Speaking to journalists, several residents accused the Adamawa State government of focusing on “cosmetic” projects such as flyovers while failing to address basic infrastructure that could protect lives and property.
“This flood is not new; it happens every year. But instead of investing in proper drainage and roads to channel water away, the government is building flyovers that we don’t need. What good is a flyover when our homes are under water?” asked Muhammad Musa, a resident of Jambutu.
Another resident, Mrs. Maryam Bala of Doubeli, lamented the loss of her foodstuff and household items. She argued that poor planning by the authorities worsened the impact of the natural disaster.
“We are suffering because the government does not care about ordinary people. If there were good drainage systems, this rain would not have destroyed our lives. Everything I stored for the season is gone,” she said tearfully.
Many community leaders echoed these sentiments, noting that Jimeta being the state’s administrative hub should not be struggling with such preventable disasters. They described the absence of functional urban planning as an indictment on the government.
Also speaking, environmental analysts also criticized what they described as a lack of proactive disaster management strategy.
An environmental activist Nuru Ahmed said, flood-prone areas in the state capital require long-term investment in drainage, canals, and road infrastructure, not just short-term relief whenever disaster strikes.
He urged the government to have a second thought on critical infrastructure that will alleviate perennial flooding and salvage lives and properties than investing in glitzy projects considering the impact of climate change.
“Billions have been poured into projects that serve as political monuments, but little is being done to safeguard lives against recurrent floods. This is a misplaced priority, and residents have every right to feel abandoned,” he said.
Another resident, Umar Sadat urged the government to start initiating concrete and efficient measures to address the ravaging flood resulting from climate change noting that on yearly basis the food is increasing in intensity, frequency and spread.
”Since I bought this house about 20 years ago, this is the first time I was experiencing flood. It means the scope, spread and intensity of flood is becoming widespread. I urged the government to leave whatever it is doing and come to the rescue of the people from this avoidable natural disaster because the most critical responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and security of lives. Other things can follow after,” he said.
As this report is being complied Wednesday morning, no official casualty figures had been released, but many residents have been forced to seek alternative accommodation with friends and relatives.
