By Stanley Onunkwor
For residents of Akpu Village, Abagana, the expanding gully erosion is more than an environmental concern it is a growing threat to homes, farmlands, roads, drainage systems and other community assets.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, Esq., raised the concern on Sept. 20, during an inspection of the affected site, urging residents to take greater responsibility for protecting their environment alongside government intervention.
Accompanied by officials of the Ministry’s Ecology Department and the Anambra State Waste Management and Control Agency (ANSWECCA), Aguiyi said the situation required coordinated action to prevent further deterioration.
He noted that Anambra’s highly erodible soil makes many communities vulnerable to erosion, but stressed that human activities can worsen the situation.
He identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, poorly terminated drains, deforestation, reckless construction and obstruction of natural waterways as practices that could accelerate erosion and flooding.
The commissioner urged Akpu Village and the wider Abagana community to establish functional Environmental Committees with clearly defined responsibilities for monitoring, public education and compliance with environmental regulations.
According to him, such committees would help communities identify environmental threats early, protect drainage channels, promote responsible waste disposal and discourage activities that aggravate erosion.
Aguiyi assured the community that the ministry would assess the site and work with relevant government agencies to determine possible interventions.
He urged residents to take immediate steps to clear blocked drains, dispose of waste responsibly and avoid practices that could increase soil erosion.
The commissioner acknowledged previous efforts by individuals and community members to stabilise parts of the affected area, describing community participation as an important complement to government action.
He stressed that tackling erosion and other environmental challenges requires sustained behavioural change, community vigilance, responsible development and enforcement of environmental regulations.
The inspection was attended by the First Vice President-General of Abagana Welfare Union, Chief Uche Alex Achusi; Village Chairman, Chief Tochukwu Victor Ofole (Udene Gbaona); former Village Chairmen, Engr. Uche Onucorah and Chief Christopher Ozugha (Akunwafor), among other community stakeholders.
Stanley Onunkwor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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