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Ganaja community bears the scars of a devastating flood that ravaged their homes and livelihoods.
a resident of Ganaja, recounts the harrowing experience of last year’s flood, its relentless waters sweeping away possessions and disrupting lives.
“The flood was massive,” Akume recalls, his voice laced with the weight of their collective ordeal. “It destroyed many of our properties, leaving us with nothing but the clothes on our backs.”
Amidst the chaos and despair, the government offered a glimmer of hope, pledging assistance to the flood victims. However, Akume’s hopes were soon dashed as the promised aid failed to materialize. “The government has done nothing,” he laments, his voice tinged with frustration. “Even the little that finally came was insignificant and distributed unfairly.”
The Ganaja community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of the flood, their resilience tested by the inaction of those in power. Akume’s plea is clear and urgent: “We urge the government to intensify the dredging of the river to prevent future flooding.”
But his plea goes beyond immediate relief. He envisions a future where the flood victims are not merely provided with temporary assistance but with a permanent solution – the construction of estates away from the flood-prone areas.
“We need to be relocated to a safe place,” Akume emphasizes, his voice filled with hope. “We can no longer bear the burden of running helter-skelter every year.”
The plight of the Ganaja community serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens. Akume’s call to action echoes the collective yearning for a future free from the fear of floods, a future where resilience is not tested but nurtured by the support and compassion of those in power.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.