Communities in Njikoka, Idemili North Seek Urgent Government Intervention Over Erosion

By Gab Alokwe

Residents of Enugwu Agidi in have appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently tackle worsening erosion threatening lives, property and infrastructure in their community.

The appeal was made during an assessment visit by officials of the to evaluate the impact of flooding in the area. The worst affected locations include Mgbachala and Irugaga in Ifite Village, where residents say the situation has continued to deteriorate.

Vice Chairman of Ifite Village, Mr. Benjamin Ejinaga, said movement becomes extremely difficult during the rainy season due to severe flooding and erosion. He warned that continued land degradation could eventually force residents to abandon their homes if urgent intervention is not provided.

The ANSEWCCA delegation also visited in , where erosion has destroyed part of the hospital’s perimeter fence and is threatening about ten buildings, including male and female hostels and administrative blocks.

Legal Secretary of the Diocese on the Niger, Barrister Humphrey Udechukwu, attributed the erosion to illegal stone mining behind the institution by unauthorized persons. He called on the state government to halt the activities of the miners and restore the affected area, warning that students, staff and residents remain at risk.

At the end of the inspection, Acting Managing Director of ANSEWCCA, Engineer Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, proposed the construction of five solar powered catchment pits to channel floodwater away from the hospital environment. He added that the agency’s assessment report would be submitted to the appropriate authorities for further action.