By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has raised the alarm over worsening gully erosion in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, urging residents to take ownership of their environment to prevent further degradation.
Aguiyi made the call on Aug. 19 during an on the spot inspection of the erosion site, which had affected buildings, drainage channels, roads and farmlands.
The inspection was attended by the President-General of Obosi, a member of the House of Representatives, the Head of the Ecology Department in the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders.
The commissioner expressed concern over the extent of the damage, noting that the state’s loose and highly erodible soil made several communities vulnerable to erosion.
He said more than 1,000 erosion sites had been identified across the state, stressing that environmental abuses could further threaten homes, roads, farmlands and public infrastructure.
Aguiyi condemned indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, poor drainage termination, deforestation, reckless construction and obstruction of natural waterways.
According to him, such practices have serious environmental consequences and could worsen flooding and erosion.
“Government cannot do it alone,” he said, urging communities to establish functional environmental committees at village and community levels to monitor environmental practices, protect drainage channels and promote responsible waste management.
The commissioner assured residents that the Ministry of Environment would continue to support communities and enforce environmental regulations.
He said the Ministries of Environment, Works and Physical Planning would collaborate to assess the Obosi erosion challenge and explore measures to protect vulnerable properties.
Aguiyi commended residents who had undertaken individual and communal efforts to stabilise portions of the affected area, describing the initiatives as evidence of the community ownership required to address the state’s environmental challenges.
He reminded residents that the state government’s State of Emergency on the Environment would take effect on Aug. 22.
The commissioner urged communities to use the exercise to clear blocked drainage channels, manage waste responsibly, protect waterways and end practices contributing to flooding and erosion.
He stressed that addressing the environmental crisis required urgent behavioural change, stronger enforcement and collective action.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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