The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has questioned the judgment of developers constructing buildings on wetlands and waterways, as well as the approval process for such developments, following an inspection of a rapidly expanding erosion site at Trans Nkisi, near the Nkisi Bridge in Onitsha.
Describing the situation as “very unfortunate,” the commissioner said it was difficult to understand why anyone would acquire land already threatened by flooding and erosion and still proceed with construction.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Aguiyi noted that a structure erected only last year had already encroached on the natural waterway and is now on the verge of collapse. He explained that such developments have narrowed the drainage channel and accelerated the spread of gully erosion.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the safety of the Nkisi Bridge, warning that erosion has already washed away parts of its protective stone embankment. According to him, if urgent intervention is not carried out, the bridge could become structurally unsafe within the next one or two years.
Dr. Aguiyi questioned how such projects could have received planning approval, stressing that the area is a designated wetland that should have been preserved to safeguard lives, property and critical public infrastructure.
He disclosed that the matter would be referred to the Ministry of Physical Planning to determine whether the affected structures were lawfully approved, warning that any building found to have been erected on waterways or drainage channels would face enforcement in line with the law.
The commissioner also condemned ongoing excavation activities within the area, describing them as another factor destabilising the soil and accelerating erosion.
Warning of the consequences of environmental abuse, Dr. Aguiyi said the expanding gully poses a serious threat to nearby homes, motorists and pedestrians, cautioning that without immediate intervention, the erosion could extend to the road and trigger a major disaster.
He urged developers and residents to comply with the state’s physical development master plan and environmental regulations, emphasising that selfish development practices must not be allowed to endanger human lives.
Dr. Aguiyi reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to protecting wetlands, preserving critical infrastructure and enforcing environmental laws to prevent avoidable environmental disasters.
