The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna has assured residents of erosion-affected communities across the state that the state government is working diligently to address their plight and provide prompt relief.
Ogbonna, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment visit to two severely impacted communities: Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA.
Accompanied by the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, the commissioner inspected major erosion sites in the areas. He stressed that the situation demands immediate government attention.
“The administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to provide adequate and prompt response to these environmental challenges,” Ogbonna said.
He disclosed that the Amaewu Amamba erosion site in Uzuakoli has already been captured under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), clearing the path for necessary interventions.
The commissioner warned residents against the dangerous practice of dumping refuse into erosion gullies, noting that such actions only exacerbate the problem and lead to further environmental degradation.
At the Atta Emede Ibeku site, Ogbonna announced that remediation works would soon begin through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA).
He appealed to residents whose homes are closest to the erosion sites to vacate the area immediately for their safety. “While damaged properties can be restored or replaced over time, human lives cannot,” the commissioner emphasized.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the government’s visit and concern. President-General of Ohabuike Amamba, Uzuakoli, Nelson Umezurike, and the community leader of Emede Ibeku, Uzoka Ihekwumere, thanked Governor Alex Otti and the commissioner for their intervention.
The leaders highlighted the extent of the damage, revealing that several residential buildings, farmlands, livestock, and access roads to farms and markets have been swallowed by the deep gully erosion. They lamented that the situation has worsened economic hardship in the affected communities.
