Students and staff of Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, are calling for urgent government intervention as severe erosion continues to destroy infrastructure and disrupt academic activities within the school.
The erosion menace has already led to the collapse of two classroom blocks, while four additional classroom blocks and the staff room remain at risk of being washed away if immediate remedial measures are not taken.
The alarming situation came to light during an assessment visit by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA).
Speaking during the inspection, the school’s Principal, Mrs. Eucharia Ogbunyi, the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Chief Igwedimma Muologwu, and the Senior Prefect, Master Uchechukwu Obi, expressed concern over the worsening condition of the school environment.
According to them, the erosion has forced several students to withdraw from the school, while those who remain, alongside teachers, face constant danger from the threatened buildings, which could collapse at any moment.
The school authorities further revealed that the deteriorating environment had previously exposed the school to security challenges, including attacks by cultists, before security measures were put in place.
They attributed the persistent flooding and erosion to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure in the area.
During the visit, Engineer Alex Chukwunwike proposed a comprehensive erosion-control project involving drainage construction, concrete works, and landscaping. He explained that the project would channel floodwater away from the school and direct it to Obibia Stream, located about 1.25 kilometres from the site.
Responding, the Acting Managing Director of ANSEWCCA, Engineer Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, assured the school community that the agency would forward its assessment report to the appropriate authorities to facilitate prompt government action aimed at addressing the erosion threat and safeguarding lives and property.
