Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the MD/CEO of Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA) to as a matter of urgency compile a comprehensive list of all active erosion sites in the state and cause its submission to the senate ad-hoc committee constituted for erosion matters for federal government intervention.
Chief sponsor of the motion Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke in his submissions revealed that the Senate on the 6th day of July, 2023 constituted an ad-hoc committee to access all erosion sites in Anambra and other States of the Federation and publish same for possible inclusion in the 2024 national budget.
According to Hon. Okpalaeke who is the member representing Aguata one constituency,
” Anambra State has the highest number of active erosion sites in the entire South-East region due to considerable loss of soil structure in the affected areas in the State.
” A lot of erosion sites are yet to be captured as active erosion sites in the State hence the need for this call.
” Erosion menace has reportedly put over 70% of the land mass in the State at risk of being eaten up by gullies, this translates to about 3,390Km’ of the available 4,844km’, thus leading to the loss of agricultural productivity and disruption of socio-economic activities with its attendant hardship on the residents of the affected areas.
” The comprehensive documentation of all the active erosion sites in Anambra State and the transmission of same to the ad-hoc committee set up by the Senate on erosion matters will facilitate the urgent intervention by the Federal Government to address the menace and save the lines and properties of ndi Anambra.
” There is no way Anambra state will be transformed to a smart mega city with out considering the environment.
” Section 14 subsection 2 (B) of the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, emphasized that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“Erosion has become part of us in Anambra. In my constituency, we have four communities that can’t be accessed.
” Governor Chukwuma Soludo has already declared a state of emergency on erosion and he has really invested in it. We have to assist him by doing the needful so as to alleviate the suffering of our people who elected it and gave us their mandate to represent them”. Okpalaeke submitted
Speaking in favour of the motion, Hon. Patrick Okafor, Chief Whip Hon. Jude Njobili, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Hon. Nobel Igwe, Hon. Chimezie Ikwunne and Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka urged
ANSEWCCA to do the needful.
” Anambra is the headquarters of erosion in Nigeria. There are soo many places we cannot access because of erosion.
” The state government lacks the financial capacity to handle erosion manace. Which is why the federal government needs to be involved and for the federal government to be involved, it must be captured at the national budget.
” Oye market in Ebenebe community in Awka North local government area, has been wiped out by erosion including over ten buildings.
“Enugu-Ukwu community in Njikoka local government area, about three communities have been cut of by erosion. We have to utalize this opportunity by making sure that the list of all active erosion sites in Anambra is compiled.
The house adjoined to Tuesday 15th August 2023.
