Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC) Onitsha, has commenced renovations of schools and primary health centres damaged by flooding, in 12 out of the 16 communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
JDPC Onitsha is carrying out the projects under the Flood Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Project, funded by Catholic Relief Services.
Mr Shadrach Nwekeagu, Lead, JDPC Onitsha, said, “During the town hall meeting, we robbed minds together to strategize and determine the best way forward”.
Nwekeagu said they have completed the renovation of Odekpe Primary School in Obuetiti, with toilet facilities and soaker pit provided.
“We had to reinforce the foundation of the backside of the classroom building and amended the cracks on the walls.
Renovated school structure
“For some parts, we added iron rods to ensure that the renovation is solid. We did a holistic and critical infrastructure overhauling in that facility.
“We fixed the damaged doors and windows and then painted the facilities.
JDPC Onitsha Projects In Ogbaru
The renovation also included the construction of about 70-feet long and 12-feet wide retaining wall, casted with various diameters of rods and pillars.
“We ensure more cement than sand to achieve something durable that can stand the pressure from flood water. We also constructed a water embankment wall to prevent and reduce the speed with which flood flows directly from River Niger into that part of the community”.
Embankment constructed to control the flow of flood waters
“We can’t stop flooding from coming, we went down to Ogwuikpele to start the work advancing upward from there.
“Ogwuikpele had a PHC which is in good shape. We are all working on all of them to keep services going.
“We’re also putting up retaining walls and also using sandbag to as barricades to hold water back from coming into the community especially these critical service points.
“We are constructing a new PHC in Akili-Ogidi.
“We are also providing a new toilet facility. Akili-Ogidi is presently using a temporary apartment which is not befitting at all as PHC,” Nwekeagu added.
