By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, on Thursday, carried out an on-the-spot inspection of an active gully erosion site at Egbeagu Village at Amansea, in Awka North LGA, following concerns over its rapid expansion and the growing threat it poses to lives and property.
The visit was led by the President General of Amansea Town Union, Comrade Henry Chukwunonso, who guided the Commissioner and his team through the affected areas.
During the inspection, Dr Aguiyi observed that the gully had already undermined the fences of two residential buildings, with portions of the structures also showing signs of distress as erosion continued to advance.
Speaking on the development, Comrade Chukwunonso explained that the erosion began about two years ago following the construction of a community road in the area.
” Residents had earlier raised concerns about the direction of surface runoff towards a nearby stream, warning that inadequate drainage planning could trigger erosion, but the concerns were not adequately addressed at the time”, he said
Corroborating the account, Chief Raphael Ewelunze, a community leader, said that early warning signs of soil failure were visible shortly after the road project commenced. He expressed regret that the situation was not properly handled, leading to the current expansion of the gully and its impact on nearby homes.
Assessing the main drainage channel and a water reservoir beneath a bridge along the road corridor, identifying key areas contributing to water concentration and soil degradation, Dr. Aguiyi stressed the importance of early reporting and prompt intervention in managing erosion challenges.
” Early reporting leads to timely action that can prevent environmental issues from escalating into large-scale disasters.
” But I assure the residents of this town that the state government remains committed to addressing both emerging and severe erosion cases across the state”, he said.
Amaka Isikala is of the ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State
