Save Ebenator Community From Gully Erosion – Anambra Assembly Begs Obiano

…This gully erosion has swallowed more than 25 buildings – Akaegbobi

Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano to direct the Commissioner for Environment and the State Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to as a matter of urgency take the necessary steps to control the gully erosion ravaging Ebenator central school, Obinugwu village in Ebenator and its environs.

The chief sponsor of the motion and member representing Nnewi South 2 Constituency, Johnbosco Akaegbobi, moved the motion and was seconded by member representing Anambra East constituency, Obinna Chris Emeneka.

Leading the debate, Akaegbobi submitted emphasizing that “Anambra State is top on the list of erosion-prone states in Nigeria owing to its susceptible topography and vulnerable soil texture.

“Deeply worried about huge gully erosion that is presently ravaging the Ebenator Central School which has gulped the school field and further threatening to sack the entire premises. Concerned that several adjoining houses and other valuable properties including farmlands are also on the verge of being gulped by the said erosion menace unless the necessary erosion control measures are taking urgently.

“Further aware that the erosion site has gradually been converted into a dumpsite for different types of waste posing a huge health risk to the staff and students of the school together with other nearby residents and passerby

“Mindful of the provision of section 20 of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended) this stipulates that the protection and improvement of the environment is a fundamental objective of the state.

“Ebenator is a small town. This gully erosion has been used for campaign by politicians. The road has been awarded for construction by the previous administration lead by peter Obi but the contractors did nothing. The Igwe and the President General (PG) summoned him and he gave excuses that they have not been mobilized by the government.

READ ALSO: Obiano Yet To FulFil Campaign Promises To Ndi Anambra – Ekwuluobia Community Leader

“The gully erosion has swallowed more than 25 buildings. Most of these villages have relocated to other locations. Those of them, who could not build another house, are pitching in other people’s house. Farmlands cannot be assessed any longer. Growth of crops has been reduced and hindered by erosion. The linkages between other neighboring communities have been blocked.

“Half of the field of Ebenator Secondary School has been taken by erosion. Assembly is now been conducted inside the classroom. Students don’t play games any longer. This community needs urgent assistant from the government.

“Families lose their love once and at the same time loses grave duo to erosion. Caskets are seen openly. Anambra state government should have mercy on them”. Akaegbobi lamented.

Other legislators who added their voice in support, appealed to the government to do the needful. “Ecological problem has been one big problem in the state. Losing your house and farmland is enough to make someone go through trauma. Let the needful be done urgently”.