The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, alongside the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Dr. Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of major erosion sites at Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner stated that Governor Dr. Alex Otti remains responsive and people-oriented in addressing the challenges facing Abians. He emphasized that the Governor is working diligently to ensure that erosion-ravaged communities across the state receive the necessary interventions, noting that the situation at the affected sites requires urgent attention.
Mr. Ogbonna disclosed that the Amaewu Amamba erosion site in Uzuakoli has already been captured under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), paving the way for appropriate intervention.
The Commissioner also urged residents of the affected communities to be proactive in safeguarding their environment by avoiding activities that contribute to erosion. He specifically warned against dumping refuse into erosion gullies under the mistaken belief that such actions help control erosion, stressing that the practice only worsens the problem and causes further environmental degradation.
At the Atta Emede Ibeku erosion site, Mr. Ogbonna announced that remediation works would soon commence through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Environment and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). He appealed to residents whose homes are closest to the erosion site to vacate the area immediately in the interest of their safety, emphasizing that while damaged properties can be restored or replaced over time, human lives cannot.
Responding on behalf of their communities, the President-General of Ohabuike Amamba, Uzuakoli, Hon. Nelson Umezurike, and the community leader of Emede Ibeku, High Chief Uzoka Ihekwumere, expressed appreciation to Governor Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, for the assessment visit.
They described the visit as a source of hope and reassurance, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the devastating erosion challenges confronting their communities.
They lamented that, beyond the destruction of residential buildings, large expanses of farmlands and access roads leading to farms have been washed away, making farming and daily livelihoods increasingly difficult. They appealed to the state government to expedite intervention efforts to restore hope and improve the living conditions of the affected residents.
Obioma Chidinma Success
P.R.O
Ministry of Environment
