We May Lose Our Road, School and Homes’ – Abagana Community Cries Out as Erosion Threatens Lives

By Chibuzo Obidike | Ichie Times

For residents of Amaenye Village in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, every heavy rainfall brings renewed fear as a rapidly expanding gully continues to threaten homes, schools, places of worship and a major access road.

During an inspection by the Anambra State Government, the Vice President General of Abagana Welfare Union, Comrade Okechukwu Atu, said the erosion has worsened due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage infrastructure and indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

He warned that the affected road, which serves St. Martins Catholic Church, Hilltop Primary School and Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, could be completely cut off if urgent intervention is not provided.

While acknowledging that some residents contribute to the problem through illegal waste disposal, Comrade Atu said the community has continued to sensitize residents on proper environmental practices but appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and relevant agencies to provide lasting erosion control measures.

Responding, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Clement Aguiyi, blamed the worsening situation on illegal waste dumping, blocked drainage channels and poor environmental practices. He urged residents to stop indiscriminate refuse disposal, maintain drainage channels and support government efforts to tackle erosion.

Barr. Aguiyi disclosed that Anambra has over 1,200 identified erosion sites, making community participation essential in protecting the environment. He assured residents that government would work with relevant agencies to address the challenge and enforce environmental regulations.

The inspection team also visited the Enu Agu erosion site in Enugwu Ukwu, where the Commissioner commended residents for planting bamboo and other vegetation to slow the spread of erosion. He, however, noted that the scale of destruction requires major intervention from the state, federal government and development partners.

He also assured residents that the Ministries of Environment, Works, Housing and Physical Planning are collaborating to ensure proper drainage construction and environmental compliance in infrastructure projects.

Residents expressed hope that the government’s intervention would help safeguard lives, homes and critical public infrastructure from further destruction.