Rescue Anyaoku's, Chinua Achebe's communities from erosion, flood menace - Sen Umeh begs FG

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By Madu Obi

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the erosion menace threatening Obosi, the home town of the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Ogidi, the hometown of the acclaimed novelist, Professor Chinua Achebe.

Both communities in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State are currently facing erosion and flood devastation that had affected many houses, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido, which was flooded at the weekend following a heavy downpour.

Speaking during his visit to the two communities, which are in his senatorial zone, Senator Umeh said there is need for urgent federal government intervention because the menace is beyond what the state government and the affected communities can handle.

At Obosi, many households have been forced to relocate to safer areas, while the Ogidi axis of the old Enugu - Onitsha road has become impassable for motorists and other road users due to flooding.

Lamenting that most communities in Anambra State are suffering the devastation, he promised to table the issue on the floor of the Senate when they resume next month to seek the support of his colleagues in tackling the problem.

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He also called for a declaration of a state of emergency on the general ecological challenges confronting Anambra State, noting that the state’s limited landmass was gradually being swallowed by gully erosion.

According to him, the scale of the ecological disaster in the state had become too enormous for the state government alone to tackle, stressing the need for coordinated intervention by the federal government and other relevant national and international agencies.

He said: "This is beyond what Anambra State can handle. As your senator, I will take this problem to the federal government so that they can intervene because this is not a child's play. Since one of your sons, Chief Eric Anyamene has started doing some palliative work to stop further devastation, there is need to support him by the relevant bodies and government.

"Erosion menace in Idemili North and South is frightening. In the past, efforts were made to combat the menace but it is b coming more difficult. I thank the NDC candidate for the palliative."

He recalled that the Senate had earlier set up an adhoc committee on erosion menace, regretting that nothing much was achieved.

"We don't have much land mass in Anambra State and the little we have is being washed away by erosion. This menace is beyond political consideration because the life of the people is affected.

"I will do a letter to the Minister of Environmental and to Mr President himself and they prepare a formal motion I will present to the Senate," he said.

Also speaking at the erosion site, Anyamene recalled that he and some other people in the community had earlier contributed about N48 million to work on the site, adding because of the over 12 - hour non stop rain that took place last Thursday, the what could be described as a tremor occurred and created the over 30- feet deep gully that is more that one kilometer.

According to him, the cost of the palliative is about N141 million, adding that it is just like a drop of water in the ocean as it is only meant to control further damage.

He commended Senator Umeh for reacting promptly by visiting the site and sympathizing with the community.