Tension in Anamba as erosion consumes buildings

Ivenso and Ibuzo

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Not fewer than 22 buildings and other properties worth millions of naira have reportedly gone down to active gully erosion sites at Obeleagu Street and Nkissi Aroli axis in Onitsha Inland Town following a heavy downpour. Sources claimed that the incident which occurred on a night of May 12 also left some occupants of the affected buildings injured as they scampered for safety.

Factcheckng recalled that the area in 2019 lost several buildings in like manner with churches and other public places exposed to its threats.

“The victims are stranded. Some have managed to gather some of their properties and left friends and families living far away from the gully, while others are still looking for how and where to park to. We are appealing for government intervention. It is surprising that the federal and state governments had visited here since last year but nothing has happened, “ a resident, Mr Victor Okoye stated.

Another resident, Mr Christian Ikeonye, expressed dissatisfaction over the state and federal government disposition to the area as according to him, “We have written to the state and federal governments. The minister who is our sister is aware. She equally visited without doing anything till date. We sought ecological fund to no avail.”

Also speaking, Mrs Tina Okoloagu, aged 60, recalled her experience thus “Well, we have never slept with our two eyes closed since two years ago I parked in here. Whenever it rains, some run away to safe places, while many stay outside waiting for any eventuality. Even at night, many wake up immediately it begins to rain in preparation to run away once it starts happening.

“About thirty houses have gone down to the erosion. More will still go if no attention is given to us. Most of us have even parked out of here and relocated to Enugu and other parts of country. Help us. We don’t know what to do again,” she cried.

The President of Onitsha Improvement Union, Sir Chike Ekweogwu and the Onitsha North Local Government chairman of the Union, Mr Akunne Chuka Odiakosa, who had led a delegation to the scene on Wednesday, have appealed for the state and federal government interventions with a view to assist the affected as well as avert future occurences.

The Project Cordinator, Anambra state chapter of Nigeria Erosion Watershed Project (NEWMAP)  Cordinator, Michael Ivenso and Chairman, Anambra state House of Assembly Committee on Erosion, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, Thursday, visited the scene, lamenting the level of devastation the gully has caused the inhabitants and the state generally. 

Ivenso said he came for proper assessment noting that he would escalate the call for an emergency intervention on the site, even as he assured that government would work out a palliative measure to safeguard lives and properties while waiting for a permanent solution to the menace.

He recalled that following the appeal by Gov. Willie Obiano for an emergency intervention on the site, last October when he visited with the Hon.Minister for State Environment, Bar. Sharon Ikeazor who declared it a state of emergency and assured of federal government intervention.