Umusiome-Nkpor Erosion: Aguiyi Warns Residents as Gully Swallows Buildings, Roads

By Our Reporter

A devastating gully erosion at Umusiome-Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area has come under the attention of the Anambra State Government, with the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, calling on residents to take greater responsibility for protecting their environment.

Dr. Aguiyi made the call during an inspection of the erosion site, where buildings, roads and other critical infrastructure have been seriously affected by the expanding gully.

The Commissioner identified poor drainage termination and inadequate consideration of the area’s steep topography during construction as major factors contributing to the erosion.

He stressed that tackling Anambra’s environmental challenges requires more than government intervention, urging residents to make environmental responsibility a priority in their daily activities and construction projects.

“Environmental protection cannot be left to government alone. Residents must take ownership of their environment and consider the consequences of their activities, particularly when carrying out building and construction works,” Dr. Aguiyi said.

The Commissioner noted that the scale of environmental challenges across Anambra State is considerable, making collective action essential to achieving sustainable solutions.

He urged residents to become more conscious of how construction practices, drainage systems and other human activities can affect the environment and accelerate erosion.

Dr. Aguiyi was accompanied during the inspection by the Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency and Cleaning Authority (ANSWECCA), Engr. Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, and the Head of the Ministry’s Ecology Department, Dr. Ijeoma Onyekwelu.

He disclosed that the team would document and assess the extent of the damage to determine possible interventions for managing the erosion threat and protecting affected infrastructure.

The Commissioner also reiterated the state government’s commitment to its vision of building a clean, green and livable Anambra, emphasizing that achieving environmental sustainability requires a partnership between government and citizens.

“Government will continue to respond to environmental threats, but sustainable environmental management must be a shared responsibility. Every resident has a role to play in protecting the environment,” he added.

The Umusiome-Nkpor erosion crisis highlights the growing need for environmentally responsible construction, effective drainage planning and stronger community participation in preventing further degradation.

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