By Ojugbele Omotunde
The Abia State government has commenced the evacuation of victims affected by gully erosion at Ovom Street in Aba North Local Government Area, relocating them to alternative accommodations.
The Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Environment, Joy Maduka, expressed deep concern over the destruction of houses and businesses, emphasizing the imminent threat to lives.
To facilitate the commencement of construction at the gully site, the Permanent Secretary issued an order for the displaced inhabitants to vacate the area.
She noted that the deadline for tenants and landlords in the impacted regions had already passed, urging them to evacuate promptly.
Uchechi Azubuike, one of the erosion victims, criticized previous administrations for neglecting the needs of those affected. Azubuike urged the current administration to prioritize high-quality work to safeguard lives and property.
The Permanent Secretary assured the affected residents that the project would be completed before the onset of the next rainy season, underscoring the commitment to swift and effective action.
It has been reported that the Ovom gully site is now barricaded by officials from the Aba North Town Planning Authority, indicating the proactive measures taken by the government to secure the area and prevent further damage.
This evacuation initiative represents a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of gully erosion and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected community in Aba.