As Huge Erosion Threatens Aba, Gov. Otti Orders Evacuation

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With a huge gully erosion in the Ovom Ogbo Hill area of Aba, the commercial enclave of Abia, threatening the lives of thousands of residents and several high profile properties, the  State Government has ordered the evacuation of the area.

The State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on an on-the-spot assessment tour of the site Sunday evening, August 4, 2024, also directed an immediate action to remedy the dangerous situation.

The Source reports that the deep and long  erosion site gully site has cut the road into two, created a long valley with several buildings and other landed properties lost.

Governor Otti has directed the General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA, to interface with his office, with a view to mobilizing experienced engineers and other relevant professionals  to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Speaking with the Media after the assessment tour, the Governor expressed concern that unless urgent steps are taken to arrest the development, more damage will be wrecked.

“It is very unfortunate that erosion has dealt a deadly blow to this area and the way it is going, if not controlled immediately, it will not only affect all the buildings around but, also the opposite side of the road where we are building roads.

“So, we need to come very quickly, and I have given the directives to the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Authority ,for him to see me later this evening (Sunday) so that we will start solving the problem in the next few weeks.

“We are starting immediately after engaging engineers and other professionals. We are not going to use direct labour

“We need professionals who understand what to do. And I strongly believe that it is something that we should deal with before the end of this year.

“I have asked the GM of GADA to evacuate those living around the area. If you  look around these buildings, there is nobody in there.

“Those who are very close, I had already evacuated them, and it is my hope that nobody goes back there again, because it is very dangerous.” Governor Otti stated.

“On the assessment tour with the Governor were the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the lawmaker representing Aba Central State Constituency Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, the GADA GM, Arch. Uche Ukeje, the Acting Chairman of the Labour Party LP Abia State and others.

The Source reports that erosion has been one of the most pronounced ecological problems facing most parts of Abia state .

Worst hit, however, are communities in the Abia North Senatorial District, particularly, in Isukwuato Local Council.

Successive administrations had paid lip service to the menace leading to the escalation of the problem over the years.