The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, on Friday conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the flooding and erosion challenges affecting Obohia, Obunku and Ohanso communities in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by engineers from the Ministry and other relevant officials, inspected areas affected by the environmental challenges and assessed the extent of damage caused by the flooding.
Speaking during the assessment visit, Ogbonna reaffirmed the commitment of the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to addressing environmental challenges and providing lasting solutions to flooding and erosion across the state.
On the impact of the flooding, the Commissioner assured residents that the government would urgently intervene to prevent further damage to homes, farmlands, roads and other properties.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment would construct appropriate drainage channels to effectively control and redirect floodwater after a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas.
Receiving the Commissioner and members of his team in his palace, the traditional ruler of Ikwueke West Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Dr. Nwankwo Chimerem Eze, thanked the Abia State Government for its prompt response to the community’s concerns. He appealed for urgent intervention, stressing that the flooding had affected several homes, farmlands and other valuable properties within the communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Pastor Chibunna Akara, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Environment for responding promptly to the community’s distress call by personally visiting the affected areas with his technical team.
Pastor Akara appealed for urgent government intervention to protect residents and their properties from further damage. He also assured the Commissioner that the local government and affected communities would comply with all necessary directives to facilitate the successful implementation of remedial measures.
The member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lewis Obianyi alongside traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, also participated in the assessment visit.
