By Sunny A. Ijomah
As the nation battles flood and its negative effects, the traditional ruler of Atani, Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy in Ogbaru Council Area of Anambra State, says dredging of the River Niger holds the solution to the national disaster.
Igwe Ngoddy said the riverine communities along the bank of the River Niger easily get over flooding due to the fact that sand has taken over the space for water in the river.
According to the royal father, the last River Niger dredging project was a shoddy job hence, the need for complete evacuation of sand from the depth of the river to allow smooth flow of water, without over flow on the land.
He regretted the heavy casualties the current flood had taken, pointing out that farm land, cash crops and residential buildings were invaded by the flood.
The traditional ruler bemoaned the loses the people of the riverine communities encountered and appealed for more assistance.
The Monarch called on the federal government and other agencies involved in agriculture to provide farmers with farm inputs early enough, so that they can embark on timely planting and harvesting before the time of flooding.
