Residents of Mbaneze Okpuno Nnewichi in Nnewi, Anambra State, have raised an urgent call for government intervention as severe erosion continues to ravage homes, farmlands, and community infrastructure, including a prominent local church. The erosion, which has worsened due to recent heavy rainfall, has left the community in distress, with fears of displacement and loss of essential property.
Community leaders and concerned residents have formally invited the House of Assembly member representing Nnewi, seeking assistance to appeal directly to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. They are requesting immediate action and support from the state government to address the escalating erosion issues.
Rev. Gideon Obiukwu, the Vicar of Victory Anglican Church, Mabaneze Okpuno Nnewichi Nnewi speaking to Anaedoonline confirmed the erosion has become a necessity because of the speed at which it is encroaching habitable area that have tens of buildings, including the church which he is the vicar. His words; “This erosion site is three hundred meters away from the church building and other homes, we have done our best in controlling the erosion but this rainy season saw a tremendous, fast encroachment of the erosion to habitable homes. We are appealing to the state government through our representative, Hon Ikedioji to come our aid.”
Mr. Humphery Ngonadi, the south east chairman, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), thanked the governor for his governments progressive stride in infrastructural development across the state and as well expressed deep concern over the ongoing devastation, describing it as an “urgent crisis that threatens the future of Mbaneze Okpuno Nnewichi.” The erosion has not only rendered portions of agricultural land unusable, impacting the livelihoods of local farmers, but also weakened the foundations of multiple residential buildings and churches in the area.
The community is appealing to Governor Soludo to consider implementing sustainable erosion control measures, including drainage systems and embankment fortifications, to prevent further damage. This appeal aligns with the governor’s ongoing commitment to environmental stability in Anambra State.
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In a statement, Hon. Augustine Ikeh (Ikedioji), the House of Assembly representative, confirmed his awareness of the community’s plight and promised to bring the commissioner for Environment to tyhe site in a week time to ascertain damages and solution to the problem as he will as well prioritize the issue in the demand note of Ndi Nnewi to the state government. In his words; “I was called and notified about this just yesterday and i have to rush here today to see things for myself, i am also aware the community has made personal efforts to checkmate this erosion, investing in excess of three hundred million Naira (#300,000,000). The people of Mbaneze Okpuno Nnewichi are in desperate need of government intervention. I will do everything in my power to ensure that their voices are heard and that practical solutions are implemented,” he stated.
The erosion situation in Mbaneze Okpuno Nnewichi highlights the broader challenges facing many communities across Anambra State as they grapple with the effects of climate change and inadequate infrastructure.
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