Gully Erosion: Ohafia Under Serious Threat, Abia Lawmaker Hon. Uchendu Cries Out

Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency and Deputy Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu, has decried the growing gully erosion in his constituency, urging the Assembly to mandate the State Government to direct the relevant authorities to swing into action.

The lawmaker raised the issue as a matter of urgent public importance on Monday during the plenary at the Assembly Complex.

The Deputy Speaker said the effects of erosion in the area is devastating, expressing dissatisfaction with the non-inclusion of same in the priority list of Abia NEWMAP.

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He said the agency, Nigeria Erosion, and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) a World Bank assisted State-led agency whose primary responsibility is to respond to the challenges of gully erosions, emerging land degradation and other environmental challenges have not executed a single remediation work in Ohafia South State Constituency, despite the number of active gully erosions ravaging many communities in the area.

Rt Hon Uchendu said the erosion sites pose devastating threats to many lives, properties, and essential infrastructure.

He further informed that gullies have developed along the corridors of Amaekpu-Elu Onyirinmba Road, Elu-Ebem Court Road, Baksassi in Amaekpu, Water Works Road, Elu, and Ndi Uduma Awoke.

In his response, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji said he would align himself wholly to the prayers made by the Deputy Speaker.

He urged the Executive Arm of Government to direct the leadership and technical unit of Abia NEWMAP to visit the affected areas for an on-the-spot assessment and to offer immediate remedial solutions to prevent loss of lives and property.