Erosion menace: Awka indigenes abandon homes, seek govt’s intervention

Some residents of Awka community, within the capital territory, have abandoned their homes over the menace of erosion.

Residents of the area during a meeting to assess the level of damage already caused by the menace begged the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to come to their rescue.

The gully, which has eaten up a large portion of land in Amachalla village, is still threatening more buildings, while many residents of the area have abandoned their properties.

Some residents of the area, including Emeka Ezekwe, Joseph Adimonye and Sam Nwanna who spoke to journalists said the devastation has made the area desolate.

Adimonye said: “Many people have abandoned their homes because of this erosion.

“You can see many abandoned properties here, including people who just started their buildings, but abandoned it.

“In this very place five years ago, a man who couldn’t bear the devastation on his house committed suicide. That is the condition we have found ourselves in.”

Chairman of ‘Awka Na So Enwe Foundation’, Mr Chris Offordile who convened a meeting of residents of the affected area, called on Governor Soludo to come to the aid of the indigenes and residents of the area.

He said: “This is not something individuals can do. Not even our foundation can take care of this, but we know that the Governor can help us.

“This is a serious threat to lives and we are calling on the Governor to intervene and provide a solution to this problem.”