Abia Govt Inspects Flood, Erosion Sites in Ukwa East

The Abia State Government has inspected flood- and erosion-affected communities in Ukwa East Local Government Area as part of efforts to assess the extent of damage and develop lasting solutions to the challenges.

The inspection was led by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Philimon Asonye Ogbonna, alongside the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara; the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; and officials of the Flood and Erosion Control Department in Umuahia.

The team first visited Ikwueke-West Autonomous Community, where residents have been affected by recurring flooding during the rainy season.

Speaking during the visit, the traditional ruler of Ikwueke-West, HRH Eze Nwankwo, commended the state government, the Ukwa East Council Chairman and Hon. Obianyi for responding to the community’s concerns.

He explained that flooding had repeatedly disrupted economic activities and affected the livelihoods of residents, noting that a similar situation occurred about seven years ago.

Following an assessment of the affected areas, officials of the Flood and Erosion Control Department carried out preliminary investigations to determine the extent of the damage and identify possible remedial measures.

The team also proceeded to Obohia Ndoki Autonomous Community, where Hon. Obianyi drew the Commissioner’s attention to severe erosion along the Obohia-Obunku Road.

According to the lawmaker, the erosion poses a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of residents of the two neighbouring communities and has increasingly affected movement along the road.

Responding, Commissioner Ogbonna assured the people of Ukwa East that the state government would take appropriate steps towards addressing the flood and erosion challenges.

He said the ministry, working with the relevant technical department, would pursue measures aimed at finding a sustainable solution to the environmental problems affecting the affected communities.

The inspection underscores the state government’s commitment to responding to environmental emergencies and protecting communities vulnerable to flooding and erosion.