The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, has raised concern over severe environmental issues in Ebem Ohafia, located in Ohafia Local Government Area. The challenges, primarily erosion, pose a serious threat to several key locations, including the palace of the paramount ruler of the Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, and seven other sites.
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In response, the Speaker directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Kalu Mba Nwoke, to lead an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
This directive came after a motion of urgent public importance was presented during a plenary session by Kalu Mba Nwoke, who represents Ohafia South. The motion was supported by a public alert issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali.
The Speaker further directed the House Committee on Environment to collaborate with relevant government agencies to develop a comprehensive erosion control and intervention plan for Ebem Ohafia and other similarly affected areas.
While presenting the alarming situation to the Abia State House of Assembly, the member representing Ohafia South Constituency, Kalu Mba Nwoke, warned that the erosion menace in Ebem Ohafia could lead to a major disaster if urgent measures are not taken.
In addition to the threatened palace of the paramount ruler, Nwoke disclosed that erosion has already caused significant damage to several critical locations, including the rear of the Police Divisional Headquarters in Ebem Ohafia, Mben Hospital, and five other sites.
“These areas are collapsing rapidly especially with the intensifying rainfall, the danger is growing by the day.
“If left unchecked, the erosion could wipe out the entire community”, Nwoke told the Abia parliament.
Meanwhile, Abia State House of Assembly has referred the matter to its committee on environment for legislative review and on-the-site assessment.
