Maduako Igbokwe l Monday, August 30, 2021
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – A team of experts in ecological and environmental issues have raised the alarm over threats of erosion disaster in Anambra State. The group headed Environmental Hydro-geologist and the former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Emeritus Boniface Egboka stated that if nothing is done, most communities in Anambra State would lose substantial part of their land to erosion.
A statement by the group under the aegis of Team of Ecological Experts said there was need to begin a strong campaign to restore the environment by getting governorship candidates of various political parties to sign a commitment pact to tackle erosion problems if they emerge as governor.
The statement signed by Prof. Egboka outlined suggestions that could help the state government to tackle erosion problem in the state, and charged governorship candidates to outline their programmes towards tackling environmental challenges.
“This indescribable Ecological Menace/Nuisance is of most particular deadly occurrence with the Old Aguata area block of the total Environment of Anambra State. We take this opportunity as one in a lifetime opportunity for our gubernatorial candidates to come to our communities and tell the people of these communities what their plans, commitments and strategies are, and will be, when any of them succeeds and takes over as the Chief Executive Officer for the Governance of Anambra State, ” it stated.
According to the group, communities worst hit in the southern senatorial zone are Nanka, Agulu/Oko, Ekwulobia, Akpo, Achina, Umuchu, Uga, Adazi, Alor, Oraukwu and others.
“These large gullies, some of which are very deep canyons can be seen at the Agulu/Nanka/Oko/Ekwulobia axis. They are also seen in other communities like Nnewi where they have begun to develop smaller finger-like gullies that push into the communities with high aggression” it stated .
Some of the recommendations made by the group as means of stemming the menace of erosion in the area include; all roads to be constructed with proper anti-gully erosion drainages, a comprehensive Storm Management Plan (SMP) for affected communities and durable environmental laws.
It urged the State Government to set up Flood and Ecological/Erosion Control Ministry principally dedicated to the control of Erosion Menace and other Ecological Hazards that bedevil the State.
Others are; establishment of a Green Belt Zone to be marked out in parts of Anambra State particularly within the affected communities, creation and reawakening of strong awareness towards flood control, soil/gully erosion and landslides as well as their abatement within the residence-areas that are erosion-prone, among others.
