People of Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State have cried out to both State and Federal Governments to come to their rescue over their Ezu lake bridge that collapsed about 12 years ago and erosion menace threatening them.
They lamented that the collapsed Ezu bridge and erosion threat have retarded economic growth and development of the area.
Speaking on behalf of the people, traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ambassador Daniel Obelle explained that the lake is a living thing that needs to be cleansed, dredged and have it as natural fish pond, and other aquacultures and a tourist attraction that can generate revenue for the State.
“The Ezu lake neglect and abandonment for about 12 years now is as a result of the collapsed Ezu bridge that was constructed with woods in those days of the Colonia masters. The Old colonial road has also damaged sequel to the collapsed bridge.
“We urge the State Government to reconstruct the bridge, rehabilitate the Ezu road with asphalt and tar it so that the people will easily get to the river and do their business smoothly without hindrance,” he stated.
While calling for immediate attention on the we erosion menace, Obelle noted that some villages were being threatened by the two erosion sites, expressing fears that some buildings within the area may soon cave in.
Also speaking, former Interim President General of the community, Chief George Okonkwo described the erosion menace as very serious problem in the community.
He praised the monarch for his selfless service to the community, revealing that Mgboko erosion site where the erosion started in the 1980s remained the worst hit, and has been there till date.
While calling for government’s quick intervention as the threat was beyond the community’s financial capacity, Okonkwo canvassed for part of federal government ecological fund be used to tackle the menace.
“I used to fetch water and firewood as a young school certificate leaver at Mgboko erosion site. Then a construction company, RONASCO, owned by R.O. Nkwocha, used to do some palliative work there until it collapsed. It is still on till today.
“Houses are now under serious threat, each year it rains, it expands. The erosion menace is threatening also in Mmimi, Umunkwa, Umuezuru, and Eziakpaka.
When the State Government team came to Nawfia, they visited Umunkwa and Mmimi villages where the erosion threat is still in the embryo stage, like gutter, from where they will expand to deep gulley erosion if unchecked and then requires billions of naira to tackle.
“State Government need to inspect those villages that have not been inspected to know their extent of destruction and assistance.
