By Kamsi Anayo
At least six buildings have been destroyed and several families displaced by severe gully erosion in Ibolo, Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state.
Mr. Edmond Anazodo, one of the affected residents attributed the erosion to poor drainage channeling during the construction of the Onitsha Owerri Road.
He said the erosion swallowed six of his houses, destroyed his land, and washed away all his belongings, leaving his family homeless.
Nonso Anazodo, another victim said his storey building was also destroyed and appealed to the state and the Federal Governments for urgent intervention to prevent further destruction.
Clem Aguiyi, the Commissioner for Environment, during inspection of the affected area, attributed the disaster to poor engineering decisions and structural works that diverted flood channels along the Onitsha Owerri Road.
He warned that the highway is also under threat if urgent remedial measures are not taken and called for improved collaboration among environmental experts, city planners, and engineers in road construction and flood management.
The Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, of the state, Chimezie Obi, commended the commissioner’s visit and appealed to both the state and federal governments for immediate intervention.
He said the scale of the erosion disaster is beyond the capacity of the local government and warned that prompt action is needed to prevent further loss of lives and property.
