The Ezioko Erosion Emergency Group, a stakeholders’ intervention body responsible for monitoring flood channels, drains, and emergency response activities, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for approving the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko, Oko-Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area.
According to the Anambra State Executive Council, the state government approved the sum of N801,674,399.75 for the construction of the floodwater diversion channel. The contract was awarded to Lebtech Construction Ltd.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its Coordinator, Chief Handel Okoli, described the approval as a timely response to an earlier appeal made to the governor following the sudden collapse of a major drainage system that conveys floodwater from Nanka and surrounding communities to Ezioko Village and parts of Oko.
Okoli noted that without immediate intervention, the situation could have escalated during the current rainy season, resulting in more severe environmental and infrastructural damage.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for the prompt action and urged the administration to sustain efforts in addressing other erosion-prone areas within Ezioko and the wider Oko community.
According to him, the group’s primary responsibility is to conduct regular integrity assessments of drainage systems and flood channels while responding swiftly to emerging threats before they worsen.
He observed that residents of Ezioko and Oko have endured years of devastating floods and landslides that have destroyed homes, farmlands, and livelihoods, adding that the government’s intervention complements ongoing community self-help efforts.
The coordinator stated that the project aligns with Governor Soludo’s vision of building a livable and prosperous Anambra through proactive measures aimed at tackling ecological challenges across the state.
The group also pledged full cooperation with the contractor and relevant government agencies to ensure the successful execution of the project. It further assured residents that it would continue monitoring drainage infrastructure to safeguard the effectiveness of the intervention.
The group appealed to community members to support the construction work and avoid activities capable of obstructing waterways or worsening erosion and flooding within the area.
