The Chairman House committee on the Environment, Urban Renewal and Newmap in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nwoke Kalu Mba a.k.a etiokwe (Ohafia South) has called on the State and Federal Government including International communities to come to the rescue of his constituency over the incessant erosion menace which has destroyed lives and properties worth billions of Naira over the years.
Hon. Etiokwe made the call during his committee oversight visit to Elu /Amuke Erosion sites, Onyirimba and Bakasi Amaekpu Erosion sites all in Ohafia local Government area.
Hon. Etiokwe was accompanied with NewMap team of Engineers led by Engr. Israel Ibeawuchi (Newmap Project Engineer) to ascertain the level of destruction caused by the erosion menace.
Responding to the ugly development, Enger Ibeawuchi said that the affected erosion sites need urgent intervention to forestall further destruction of lives and properties.
He further advise the affected communities to stop further dumping of refuse within the affected areas adding that dumping of waste materials can cause more damages to them in future.
Engr. Ibeawuchi also informed the people of Amaekpu Ohafia that his office has the record of Onyirimba and Bakasi erosion sites on the list of erosion sites in the state that need adequate intervention and also promised to add Elu / Amuke erosion sites on the list considering the magnitude of the erosion. He also assured the affected communities that his office will try their best to assist them in controlling the menace, he added.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected communities, the chairman of Ohafia Traditional Council, HRH Eze Oscar Kalu Osonwa and President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, jointly extolled Hon. Nwoke Kalu Mba for his giant strides in community development since he assumed office as state legislator representing Ohafia South State constituency at the 8th Abia Assembly.
They further joined Hon. Etioke to appealed to both the State and federal Government including international communities to come to their rescue before the commencement of the raining season this year adding that the lives of their people are in danger.
They also commended the Newmap project engineer and his team members for their prompt response and assured them total compliance of their directive towards preventive measures.
Among those that were present during the committee oversight function includes, the Paramount ruler, Elder Awa Orji Udensi (Udumeze of Ohafia ancient kingdom), Some Ohafia leaders and Stakeholders including Youths of the affected communities, the House committee secretary and Assistant on environment, Mrs Amaka Rock and Mrs Jennifer Chukwudi just to mention but a few.
