Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has officially commissioned the Gully Erosion Remediation Works and a 2.1 kilometers community road network at Umuoleghe-Azuahia, Amuzukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA.
Also Commissioned by the Governor is a civic hall and Solar-Powered Street Light constructed for the people of the community.
Commissioning the projects, Governor Ikpeazu noted that the issue of gully erosion has been a major problem for the people as it threatens livelihood, farmlands as well as public infrastructures.
The Governor expressed happiness that the 2.1 kilometres Road and other projects were also done for the community by his intervention adding that the community is no longer under the devastating threat of gully Erosion.
“Gully Erosion eats gradually but steadily and if care is not taken it is capable of causing havoc”, Ikpeazu said.
He maintained that the enormity of the Gully Erosion Remediation was way beyond what the Community or State government could handle hence the collaboration of the State Government and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
Ikpeazu stated the feat was achieved with the payment of N50 million naira counterpart funding by the Abia State Government which enabled the commencement of the project and assured the people of Amuzukwu that his administration would not relent in bringing dividends of democracy to the community.
Earlier the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sam Nwogu the Abia NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Mr. Izuchukwu Onwughara disclosed that the project was made possible with the payment of 50 million naira counterpart fund made available by the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu government, adding that the project which started in 2016 was completed in 2020 according to specification.
According to them, a borehole, town hall, solar-powered street light and livelihood enhancement programme for over 50 indigenes of the community were also provided.
Speaking also, the Traditional Ruler of Amuzukwu – Ibeku Autonomous community, Eze John Ibezim described the project as a lasting legacy for his people and assured the Governor of their unflinching support.
In an interview with journalists,some members of the community including, Elder Darlington Nduka, Lolo Choice Nwanukwa and Mrs. Florence Onwugbufo
narrated their ordeals in the life-threatening erosion that has been brought under control by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
They said that the gully erosion had caved in and forced many people to relocate after losing their buildings, saying that former Governors have tried to fix it all to no avail until Governor Okezie Ikpeazu arrested the situation.
