AA Reps Candidate Raises Alarm Over Awka Erosion, Vows Action if Elected

By Praise Chinecherem

Action Alliance (AA) candidate for the Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Okoye Anthony Arinze, has raised concerns over the worsening erosion menace ravaging communities across the constituency, vowing to push for urgent intervention if elected.

Arinze, in a statement on Tuesday, said erosion had wreaked havoc on roads, homes, farmlands, public infrastructure and the livelihoods of residents, warning that government should not wait until the situation deteriorates before taking action.

He pledged to work closely with village chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to identify erosion-prone areas and facilitate timely government intervention.

According to him, effective representation requires constant engagement with communities and a direct channel through which grassroots concerns can reach government.

“Leadership is not about standing above the people; it is about working closely with the people and listening to their needs,” Arinze said.

He added: “As I seek to represent the people of Awka North and South Constituency, I want to build a leadership structure where our village chairmen and community leaders have a direct voice and channel of communication with my office.

“Our village chairmen are closest to the people. They understand the challenges facing their communities and can provide timely information about issues that require government attention.”

On the erosion crisis, the AA candidate said early reporting and documentation would be central to his proposed approach.

“One major challenge we must take seriously is erosion. Across our communities, erosion can damage roads, homes, farms, public facilities and livelihoods. We cannot wait until a serious situation develops before we act,” he said.

Arinze said he would promote regular communication between his office and community leaders to ensure that erosion sites were identified early, affected communities documented and appropriate government agencies approached for intervention.

“My vision is simple: let government hear the people through the people who are closest to them,” he said.

“Together with our village chairmen, traditional and community leaders, youth and other stakeholders, we can build a constituency where problems are reported early, communities are heard, and development reaches the grassroots.”

The candidate said such collaboration would help create a more responsive system of representation and ensure that pressing infrastructure and environmental challenges in Awka North and South receive timely attention.

#