Flood takes over school, houses in Nsukka as Enugu residents demand urgent action

A heavy downpour has submerged the premises of Enugu Road Primary School in Nsukka, Enugu State, raising concerns about the safety of students and the structural integrity of the school. 

The school, which shares premises with St John Catholic Church, has been plagued by flóóding issues due to a blocked underground waterway along the Enugu-Nsukka expressway.

"This has been our fear in this school," said a parent. 

"The school is about to resume, and the rain has not stopped. Whenever it rains, we are always in fear for the safety of our children. Some parents have relocated their children to other schools because of this ecological disaster."

A member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Chinasa Ozora, expressed frustration over the lack of effective solutions. 

"As PTA, we have appealed to the relevant authorities. Nsukka local government council tried to dig a borrow pit within the premises of the school for water storage, but that work seems not the solution."

"As PTA, we have appealed to the relevant authorities. Nsukka local government council tried to dig a borrow pit within the premises of the school for water storage, but that work seems not the solution."

The flóóding also affected nearby businesses and homes, with some residents forced to evacuate their properties. 

Ozioko, a resident of an affected building, said, "The rain began this morning. Even before the intensity increased, the flóód had started submerging our building. We are still evacuating the flóód as you can see. We are tired of çrying. When it pleases God, He shall come to our rescue."

Maria Eze, a resident, noted that the school management had taken steps to mitigate the damage, including evacuating school chairs from affected blocks. 

"Children are on holiday, but even before they closed for the third term, affected classes were shifted to other blocks that are safe. You can see that water flõõds the inside."

The Enugu State government has been criticised for its perceived inaction in addressing the flóóding issue. 

Ozora questioned why the state government has kept mute over the matter, saying, "Why the state government has kept mute over this particular spot of the road is what I don’t know. Even the local government area pays lip service".