By Gab Alokwe
Residents of Ekwusigo and Awka South Local Government Areas(LGA) have appealed for urgent government intervention as severe erosion continues to destroy homes, roads and school infrastructure in affected communities.
In Obiofia Ibolo, Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, residents called on the Federal and Anambra State Governments to take immediate action to address a worsening erosion site that is threatening lives and property.
The appeal followed an inspection of the area by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), carried out on the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The President-General of Oraifite, Mr. Vin Dike, attributed the erosion to poor drainage associated with the construction of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, disclosing that seven houses have already been destroyed, while additional buildings, roads and a World Bank-assisted hanging bridge remain at risk.
A resident, Mr. Ifeanyi Anazodo, warned that the situation could worsen during the rainy season if urgent intervention is not carried out.
In Awka South, a technical assessment conducted by ANSEWCCA identified several active gully erosion sites in areas behind the Zonal Phobis Complex, Mgbalaka and Girls’ Secondary School, Awka.
According to the report, homes, schools and public infrastructure in these areas are under threat, with some buildings already close to collapse.
The Chairman of Amudo Village, Chief Patrick Nwanna, lamented that previous efforts by residents to control the erosion had yielded little result, noting that the road behind Girls’ Secondary School, Awka, has been cut off by the gully, warning that more infrastructure could be lost if urgent action is not taken.
The Acting Managing Director of ANSEWCCA, Engr. Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, said the agency is recommending engineering designs and emergency intervention measures to halt further destruction and protect vulnerable communities.
Residents expressed hope that swift government action would mitigate the impact of the erosion and safeguard lives, property and public infrastructure in the affected areas.
Gab Alokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
