The Anambra State government has attributed the erosion crisis in the state to drainages constructed by some communities without getting official approval from the appropriate authority.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, who made the disclosure, has cautioned communities against undertaking drainage and other infrastructure projects without proper environmental assessment.
Dr. Aguiyi gave the warning during an on-the-spot assessment of a gully erosion site in Ezinifite Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, which now poses a significant threat to homes, public infrastructure, and St. Raphael Catholic Church, Okpuno.
The commissioner said preliminary findings revealed that drainage channels previously constructed by the church and members of the community to control flooding ended without a proper discharge outlet.
This, he explained, triggered severe scouring that eventually developed into the active gully currently endangering the area.
He stressed that communities must involve the Ministry of Environment before embarking on drainage or similar infrastructure projects that require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), noting that proper planning is essential to prevent environmental disasters.
Dr. Aguiyi called on residents to embrace responsible environmental practices and work closely with government agencies in protecting their surroundings.
He also urged the Parish Priest of St. Raphael Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. George Anthony, to leverage the church’s influence in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices among parishioners, emphasising the important role of faith-based institutions in environmental stewardship.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government would thoroughly evaluate the erosion situation and determine the necessary interventions to address the growing environmental challenge.
The inspection was at the instance of the Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Okafor, who acknowledged that human activities had contributed to the erosion. He pledged stronger enforcement of environmental regulations in collaboration with the ministry to promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Anambra State.
