A starnth torrential rain has just caused a lot of damage in Port-Gentil. On November 25, several schools, businesses and administrations found themselves in water at the series of great adversaries. In the oil city, we index an urbanization and sanitation policy that was non-existent or initially inappropriate. In its absence, added to the incivism of the population, itfloods are increasingnt from week to week, and causent significant material damage.
Populations facing flooding during torrential rains in the economic capital. © GabonReview
Like a large part of the cities of Gabon in general, Port-Gentil, the economic capital, has once again recorded strong adverse events with very high rainfall. On Monday, November 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the city experienced unprecedented flooding in several neighborhoods. If we talk about climate change leading to serious consequences, we do not forget the absence of adequate urbanization and sanitation policies in the city, as well as the incivility of the populations.
«Jwas the victim of a fire. Mnow I’m struggling to find where sleep with the children. My whole house is filled with water“, lamented a flood victim in Port-Gentil.
In Port-Gentil, with rainwater up to their knees, citizens had difficulty easily going about their business. On this dark day, several households lost freezers, beds, televisions, refrigerators, living rooms and many other belongings.
A living room completely flooded following the rain in Port-Gentil. © GabonReview
«Scorpions come in, iguanas and even snakes. How do I do it?”asked another disaster victim, not without recalling with conviction that she voted “Yes” in the referendum of November 16.
For the populations, public authorities and political leaders seem not to take “very seriously this phenomenon“. This, especially since floods return every year with greater intensity and the populations pay the heavy price.
«I have no other support than dad Oligui Nguema. Here we haveThe bed is in the water, the freezer is in the water, the whole house is in the water. May he help us. IHe is there for the Gabonese people», added another victim.
On November 25, upscale and underdeveloped neighborhoods, stores, schools, shopping centers and various administrations were victims of these floods. In the Massuku district, residents accuse the work of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) aimed at extending the public school in the said district. There, the only channel supposed to allow proper evacuation of water is blocked by rubble, plastic waste and other materials.
This phenomenon raises fears of other, more serious floods. Not a single corner of the economic capital was spared on November 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the city, the situation has deteriorated considerably in recent years.
