Editorial: Erosion Control In Nnewi, A Pat On The Governor’s Back

The recent intervention by Anambra State Government on the dangerous erosion site at Nkwo Nnewi popularly known as Mbize Edo (Edo’s Gully Erosion) was long overdue. This popular Mbize Edo was part of the sacred ancient Edo forest which was cleared for the extension of Nkwo Nnewi market in 1966 by the Igwe of Nnewi, HRH K.O.N Orizu. Over the years the erosion site has swallowed buildings and threatened the economic activities of traders close to it.

Last year, we reported about the encroachment of this erosion site threatened the houses and shops around it during the rainy season in 2019. The response by Anambra State Government is applaudable. We also commend the efforts of Hon Ogbuefi Melie Onyejepu, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Budget Monitoring and Efficiency and Hon Nonso Smart Okafor, the member representing Nnewi North Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly towards this project.

Erosion menace is a big issue in Anambra State. In Nnewi alone, many areas like Obiofia Nnewichi, Okpunoeze Uruagu are prone to erosion. Last year, 25 buildings were swallowed by erosion in Ebenator, Nnewi South LGA. Between 1-3 September, 2019, 30 families were rendered homeless in Uga, Aguata LGA by erosion, more than two major roads were cut off and the people who lived nearby fled as a result of the devastating and tragic erosion.

In 2018, a significant portion of Nnobi-Nkpor road was claimed by erosion forcing motorists to severe hardships. The famous Agulu-Nanka-Oko erosion site has been receiving deserved attention by the World Bank.

According to the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano when he visited the erosion site in Nnewi on Wednesday, 29th January 2020, Anambra State has 972 erosion sites, out of these, 16 are already receiving attention by the World Bank and Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). He said that his administration has declared a state of emergency on erosion site in Anambra State.

READ ALSO: Hon Chris Azubuogu Set To Give Nnewi Erosion Technical Knock-out On The Floor of the House (Video)

We also urge the representatives of Anambra State in the National Assembly to make this erosion menaces among the focal points of their legislative duties. We are aware that last year, the Nigerian Senate resolved to send a delegation to the Ecological Fund Office and National Emergency Management Office (NEMA) down to Anambra South, Anambra Central and Anambra North Senatorial Districts to visit areas struck by erosions and other natural disasters as a result of the motion sponsored by Anambra Senators, Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) and Uche Ekwunife (Anambra Central).

Last year, Hon. Chris Azubuogu, Member Representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in Federal House of Representatives also moved a motion urging the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ecological Fund Office, to immediately mobilize their Engineers to the erosion site in Nnewi to save further loss of lives and properties.

These actions are commendable, however they should not stop at moving motions, there should serious engagements with relevant ministries, agencies and development partners to checkmate these erosion menaces.

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