KINGSLEY EZEKWELU
The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has disclosed plans by the State Government to tackle the erosion challenge at the Akpu Village, Ukpo in Dunukofia LGA of the State within the next one month.
The governor made this known during an on the spot visit to the erosion sites.
The erosion which is already threatening to cut the Abba-Ukpo bypass was said to have intensified after a recent torrential downpour.
He observed during the visit that construction of retaining walls was ongoing to check the challenge which was allegedly caused by improper termination of drainage channel.
Assessing his tour of such challenging sites round the state, Gov Obiano noted that money will be released immediately for the intervention works, and said that work has been ongoing at the Ukpo site at a moderate pace due to paucity of funds.
He pointed out that his administration is presently intervening in many erosion sites, constructing roads and meeting other responsibilities without receiving any assistance from the Federal Government. He assured that the State Government will not allow the challenge escalate further.
He appealed to the Federal Government to release the funds owed the State on Federal Road works to enable him intensify work across the various projects he is presently handling.
The Member representing Dunukofia Constituency in the State Assembly, Mr. Lawrence Ezeudu said the governor’s visit had gone a long way to reassure the people of government’s commitment towards their welfare. He noted that aside the threat to life which the gully challenge constitutes, it had also cut off access to major markets in the constituency from other agrarian communities.
The President General of Ukpo community, Mr Vincent Oyilagu thanked the governor for his promise to address the challenge soon; while a resident of the area, Mrs Bridget Oba harped on the need for urgent government intervention on the site as they now live in constant fear and anxiety due to the challenge.