27/05/2026
Residents of Ifite Awka Appeal for Government Intervention Over Gully Erosion
By Ukpa Ewa
Residents of John Elu - Ogu Crescent, behind Best Western Meloch Hotel in Ifite Awka, have passionately appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene in the worsening gully erosion ravaging their community.
The appeal followed a viral video circulating online showing the terrible condition of the area and the dangers residents currently face as a result of the erosion menace.
Speaking during an interview, Mr. Anthony Agu from Ezia in Enugu State lamented that the deep gully erosion has displaced many residents and destroyed access roads within the community. According to him, many families residing in the area are low-income earners who settled there because of the relatively affordable accommodation, but are now experiencing severe hardship due to the environmental challenge.
He explained that residents can no longer comfortably access their homes, stressing that lives and properties are under constant threat as the erosion continues to expand.
“We are begging the government to come to our aid. Many people here cannot afford expensive rent elsewhere, which is why they managed to stay in this area. But now, the erosion has made life unbearable for us,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Felicia Okechukwu appealed to the government, philanthropists and well meaning individuals to assist the affected residents, noting that there is currently no accessible walkway or motorable road leading to their homes.
She commended Governor Charles Soludo for his infrastructural development efforts across Anambra State but pleaded for urgent intervention in their community before the situation worsens further.
Mrs. Okechukwu further explained that the erosion site is close to hostels housing students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, thereby posing serious risks to students and other residents living within the area.
She added that her shop, which serves as her only source of livelihood, has also been badly affected by the erosion.
“We don’t even have a proper path to walk through to our homes anymore. This situation is affecting businesses, students, families and everyone living here. We are pleading with Governor Soludo to help us,” she said.
The residents therefore called on the Anambra State Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the erosion challenge and provide relief to affected families before more lives and properties are put at risk.
