Erosion Ravages Communities in Ekwusigo and Awka South as Residents Seek Urgent Government Intervention
By Gab Alokwe
Residents of Ekwusigo and Awka South Local Government Areas have appealed to the Federal and Anambra State Governments for urgent intervention as severe gully erosion continues to destroy homes, roads, schools and other critical infrastructure, posing serious threats to lives and livelihoods.
In Obiofia Ibolo, Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, community members raised the alarm over a rapidly expanding erosion site during an inspection by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), who visited the area on the directive of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo to assess the extent of the damage.
The President General of Oraifite, Mr. Vin Dike, attributed the erosion to poor drainage infrastructure associated with the construction of the Onitsha Owerri Expressway.
He disclosed that at least seven houses have already been destroyed, while several other residential buildings, access roads and a World Bank assisted hanging bridge remain under imminent threat if urgent remedial measures are not taken.
A resident of the community, Mr. Ifeanyi Anazodo, expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate further during the peak of the rainy season, warning that more lives and property could be lost without immediate government intervention.
In Awka South Local Government Area, a technical assessment conducted by ANSEWCCA identified multiple active gully erosion sites behind the Zonal Phobis Complex, Mgbajiaka and the Girls’ Secondary School, Awka.
The report revealed that homes, school buildings and public infrastructure are increasingly vulnerable, with some structures already at risk of collapse.
The Chairman of Amudo Village, Chief Patrick Nwanna, lamented that community efforts to contain the erosion have yielded little success.
He noted that the road behind Girls’ Secondary School, Awka, has already been cut off by the advancing gully, warning that more public infrastructure could be destroyed if urgent action is delayed.
Speaking on the findings, the Acting Managing Director of ANSEWCCA, Engr. Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, said the agency is recommending appropriate engineering designs and emergency intervention measures to halt the erosion and protect affected communities from further devastation.
