Students of the Metallurgical Training Institute in Onitsha, Anambra State, have initiated peaceful demonstrations to address the serious issue of flooding plaguing their institution, which has disrupted academic and non-academic activities.
Chigozie Onyenyili, the President of the Student Union Government, voiced the concerns of the student body, emphasizing that they have been forced to endure sleepless nights due to flooded hostels and the consequent damage to their possessions.
The rising water levels have inundated students’ beds, causing considerable inconvenience and distress. Onyenyili pointed out that the ongoing flooding crisis in the federally-owned institution was exacerbated when government contractors removed the existing drainage system without providing alternative measures to mitigate flooding.
Students protest worsened flooding
He explained, “Flooding has been an issue in the institution, but it was worsened because the government recently commenced flood control process by removing an existing drainage [system] inside the school, but they didn’t put the necessary measures in place to mitigate flood.”
The students are calling on the government to intervene and address the situation promptly, emphasizing that the institution‘s management has already done its best to manage the crisis.
During the peaceful protest, students were observed attempting to remove water from their rooms and salvage their belongings, including laptops, phones, clothing, and beds from the flood.
Nkiru, another student, lamented that the flood had damaged their valuable possessions, including laptops, mobile phones, learning equipment, and beds, and even washed away their pots of soup.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Owoh Ugochukwu, blamed the Anambra State government for the flooding, citing their redirection of waters from surrounding areas to the school without adequate drainage measures.
He said, “The flood issue has lingered for some years now, but the school authorities are doing their best. The flood is as a result of the state government channeling waters that come from Obosi, Nkpor, Onitsha-Owerri Road and environs down to the school.”
