Gov Obiano Urges FG To Declare Emergency On Anambra’s Erosion Menace

Governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano, has renewed his call on federal government to declare a state of emergency on erosion sites in Anambra State.

Gov. Obiano made the call yesterday while speaking during an inspection visit to the erosion site at Obeleagu Ozalla Road, Onitsha.

More than 30 buildings in the area are currently being threatened by the erosion which covers over 35 kilometers.

Bemoaning the impact of the erosion on the entire area, while reiterating that it has continued to receive attention from his administration, the governor said that the contractor has 20 days to bring erosion menace in the area under control.

While empathising with residents and urging people living close to the site to consider relocating in the interim, the governor hoped that within the period the water source will be reached and diverted.

According to the governor, his administration has intervened in 14 gully erosion sites in Anambra State, but meager resources may hinder more interventions.

Gov. Obiano predicated this dilemma on the presence of about 972 erosion sites in different parts of Anambra State, adding that the federal government should wade into the disaster before it may be late.

The governor listed his performance in erosion control to include the Hundred Foot Nnewi Erosion Site which he said was controlled by the state government with assistance from World Bank.

Earlier speaking while welcoming the governor, a supervisor for the company handling the project, Youseff Yusuf reiterated commitment to complying with standards.

He commended residents of the area for cooperating, promising that the ongoing work on the flood diversion channel will be delivered within the stipulated time.

Erosion is the removal of soil from land surface by various agents of denudation. Soil erosion occurs when wind or waterflow carries soil from one part of the earth to another thereby exposing the lower horizon of the soil.