JAffluent individuals from Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have been urged to channel part of their wealth into reducing and managing the risks posed by perennial flooding in the area.
Executive Director of Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Edwin Udoye, made the call during the validation of the Community Emergency Management Committee (CEMC) handbook developed for twelve flood-prone communities in Ogbaru.
JDPC developed the handbook under its Flood Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Project funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Fr. Udoye said sustaining the gains of the intervention required wealthy indigenes to complement the organization’s efforts by supporting the vulnerable in their communities.
“Under this project, we have renovated schools and health centres.
We distributed non-food items to the most vulnerable, and are preparing to give unconditional cash transfers.
“Some residents have even confessed that JDPC Onitsha is the government they know at the grassroots.
“But for sustainability, affluent members of these communities must take ownership. They must help their people cope better with the impact of perennial flooding.
CEMC members challenged
Fr. Udoye pointed to examples from other communities in Anambra where wealthy individuals have invested heavily in development.
He cited his hometown of Ozubulu where many churches were built by individuals, and Neni and the Adazi communities in Anaocha Local Government Area, where citizens contributed to road and infrastructure projects.
“Those of you here today, go back and challenge the rich men and women in your communities.
They need to use part of thier riches to make life livable for the poor and helpless.”
“You don’t wait for government to do everything because government alone cannot provide all you need.
“Good enough, the present administration in Anambra is promoting government-community partnership.
“We want to see Ogbaru’s wealthy individuals key into this for the overall development of their communities”.
JDPC Executive Director appealed to government not to appropriate projects executed by NGOs and individuals as doing so discourages benefactors.
“I beseech government not to claim the credit for schools and health centres renovated under this project.
“Rather, they should give us funds to do more because JDPC is accountable, reliable, and transparent.
“Through us, they can get true value for their investments,” he said.
With flooding continuing to displace thousands annually in Ogbaru, JDPC says only a combination of government, community, and individual efforts can build resilience and secure a safer future for residents.
