Abians Cry For Help As Erosion Destroys 2-storey Building

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Locals in Amamba Uzuakoli Autonomous Community, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, have cried out for help over the menace of gully erosion that has posed an existential threat to the entire community.

According to the report, last Sunday’s torrential rain worsened the menace, as another two-storey building was swallowed up besides the ones claimed by the rainy season last year.

The President General of the Community, Chilasa Kanu, said the menace, which started about four years ago, had defied every effort by the community to put it under control.

He stated that, so far, five houses, including three bungalows and two 2-storey buildings, had been claimed by gully erosion in the community.

According to him, occupants of about 15 other buildings have deserted the community for fear of the unknown.

The PG who said that the community had been overwhelmed by the erosion menace appealed for quick and permanent Government intervention.

He regretted that every effort by the community to get the attention of the previous administration fell on deaf ears.

“We have spent over N40 million with the collaborative efforts of our sons and daughters in the diaspora but up till now there is no hope yet.

“All the pleas we made to the previous administration yielded no result.No intervention whatsoever has come to us either from the Federal or State Government. Last year the Governor sent his Deputy who came here and told us that erosion control is the job of the Federal Government, and he left.” He said

On the devastating effects of the erosion, the PG said that the agrarian community could no longer access their farms as the gully has also cut off their farm road.

The erosion site which created a gully that could measure up to 100 feet high is a terrifying sight.

Abia, according to statistics, has over 3000 active erosion sites with the majority of them domiciled in Abia North, particularly Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, and Bende council areas.