CRY FOR HELP AS GULLY EROSION THREATENS HOUSES IN IMO COMMUNITY

Reporter:  CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

Two buildings have caved in while more are threatened by gully erosion at Trinity Christian Church Street in Akwakuma, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Radio Nigeria gathered that many have fled their homes, tenants relocated while some landlords helplessly watch their property collapse due to ravaging effects of flooding in the area.

A landlord, Mr. Chigozie Nnanna, lamented that the spared buildings in the street might be affected if nothing urgent was done before the 2021 rainy season begins.

He expressed regret that despite repeated appeals to the state government to come to their rescue, respite was yet to come their way.

Mr. Nnanna noted that the flooding had defied all the self help measures taken by the residents to prevent further damage and called on the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to come to their aid.

Meanwhile the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Iyk Njoku, said bill of quantity and drawing for the street had been developed as directed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, promising that work would commence in the area as soon as all formalities were concluded.   

The erosion, which started since 2012 due to wrong channeling of drainage to the street, had remained a nightmare to inhabitants of the area.