By Grace Samuel
The Enugu community is at risk due to the diversion of water channels for road construction. The diversion poses a significant danger to the community members. diversion poses a significant danger to the community members.
This situation demands immediate action to prevent an environmental disaster that could have devastating consequences for the entire area. It’s time for us to take a stand and demand that those responsible rectify the situation immediately. We will not tolerate any actions that put the safety and well-being of our community at risk, and we will use all available resources to hold those responsible accountable.
The construction of access roads is vital for attracting development and improving livelihoods in many communities. In 2016, the Enugu State government constructed a nine-kilometre road network from Obechara, Ugwuechara down to Ikenga Hotels junction.
However, it has been reported that this celebrated road has endangered Umuwalugwu village in Umakashi community of Nsukka LGA. Given the significance of this matter, it may be prudent for the relevant authorities to investigate and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Mazi Chukwudi Paul Omeke is a youth leader in Umuwalugwu village. He mentioned that in the past, there were multiple waterways from different sources. However, after the construction of the road from Obechara to Ikenga junction by Arab Contractors, all the channels were directed to one drainage system that terminated at Ikenga junctions.
Consequently, a diversion chamber was built, and the entire flood was routed to the Umuwalugwu-Agbani axis. Unfortunately, the pressure of the flooding increased and created its pathways that have now turned into deep gullies.
Several houses have been demolished while others are on the verge of collapsing. The good road, especially during rainy seasons, has become a nightmare to us. When it starts raining, our people are forced to stay wherever they are to avoid any possible calamities. Due to the slippery soil.
James Eze, a farmer from Umuwalugwu, has expressed his concerns regarding the impact of flooding on agriculture. According to him, farming in the area used to be profitable, thanks to the rich arable land. However, due to the flooding, the topsoil has been washed away, and erosion has affected the farmlands.
This has made it difficult for farmers to plant crops, as the entire farmland can be washed away within a day. Consequently, they have had to resort to begging for portions of land in neighboring areas such as Nru and Lejja.
Mr Emeka Oko, the Local Emergency Management Committee Coordinator in Enugu State, is dedicated to providing relief materials to disaster victims in the state. However, he observed that the affected natives did not follow proper procedures for seeking relief materials.
In a recent conversation, Mr Oko expressed gratitude for being alerted to the calamity, which he was not previously aware of. He acknowledged the importance of timely action and advised that the council chairman of Nsukka LGA be notified of the situation. He suggested that the council’s LEMC should conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas at the appropriate time, to prevent any delays. Mr Oko’s proactive approach and commitment to helping those in need is commendable.
Gerald Otiji, an engineer, is the Commissioner for Works in Enugu State. He advised the leaders of the community to properly inform government authorities for the necessary action to be taken. He suggested that if there is a traditional ruler, president general, community leader or even a reporter, a letter should be written on behalf of the community to the governor.
The letter should include pictures of proof of the work that has been done and the danger that the diverted waters have been posing to the natives, especially during the rainy seasons.
Additionally, the letter should indicate the damage already caused by the diverted waters and request remedial work to be done so that the rainy seasons would not be a nightmare to the natives. He assured that the governor will minute it to the Ministry of Works, and he will personally set up a strong and experienced team to study it and recommend a remedial approach. Finally, they will fix it to save the people from any harm.