Hope Trickles in the Hearts of Dokolo Flood Victims, as Government Aid Nears Delivery
The floods in Dokolo District emerged early last month due to the sudden increase in water levels on Lake Kwania said to be recurring pandemic that has affected the livelihood of several people in the District for decades.
Hope Trickles in the Hearts of Dokolo Flood victims as Government Aid Nears Delivery
BY JOSEPH OKUL
Dokolo - Flood victims from five different Sub Counties in Dokolo District of Adeknino, Agwata, Adok, Kwera and Okwongodul have sighted a glimpse of hope after experiencing devastating floods.
The long waited ray of hope was revealed on Monday May 6th, 2024 after the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugee, Lillian Aber assured the mass that government humanitarian aid for Dokolo District shall arrive in a weeks time.
Former candidate for Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament seat, Dr. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal delivered the message to the flood victims of Adeknino sub county.
Alwoc confirmed engaging with minister Aber on various occasions, over the dire state of life in Dokolo District among those affected by floods since April 13th, 2024.
"Minister Aber stated that government delayed to provide humanitarian aid to flood victims in Dokolo District due to shortage of transportation since most of the government trucks were headed to Karamoja sub region to deliver emergency aid", said Dr Rosemary Ogwal.
Dr. Alwoc made the statement during her visit to Adeknino sub county were she hand over 200 kilograms of posho and 300 kilograms of beans to severely affected villages of Bata Ebwol island, Amuk, Amiit, Te-lela, Alik and Awiti among many others.
In her consolation speech, Dr Rosemary Alwoch promised to provide two boats to help the residents of Bata Ebwol island navigate through the only district road that connects the flood victims to social services such as medical service, schools, church among others.
According to her, after surveying all the affected sub counties, she witnessed several houses that are still submerged in water, crops destroyed, submerged community roads rendering thousands of people homeless and starving.
Despite falling short in the recent Dokolo District by election to replace the vacant seat left by former Woman member of parliament, Hon. Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, her mother, Dr Rosemary Alwoch Ogwal is adamant to fullfil the legacy of the former iron lady of Uganda.
The LC 3 chairperson of Adeknino Sub County, Frederick Ogwal Owiny stated that an estimated 467 flood victims from 17 villages out of the present 42 villages in Adeknino have so far been displaced and currently camping in nearby schools, health centres, trading centers while others have camped at their relatives homes in unaffected zones of the Sub County.
Ogwal urged the displaced people to migrate to Koroto village, a government land designated to host the flood victims temporarily.
He further called upon the government to fasten the delivery of the humanitarian aid such as food, accommodation, medical supplies among others.
Olum John Calvin a resident of Bata Ebwol island who has been instrumental in transporting the residents across the submerged road said at least three people have drowned while attempting to navigate the only road that connects the village to social services within the last one month.
Olum however remains pessimistic that the water level shall decrease anytime soon. He urged the government to grant the community of Bata Ebwol island an engine boat, which he said shall be effective in saving lives of sick mothers and children who occasionally need immediate medical attention.
The floods in Dokolo District emerged early last month due to the sudden increase in water levels on Lake Kwania said to be recurring pandemic that has affected the livelihood of several people in the District for decades.
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