Anambra Monarch Raises Alarm: “Collapsed bridge, Erosion threatening our community”

By Praise Chinecherem

The traditional ruler of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Amb. Daniel Obelle has raised the alarm over collapsed bridge and erosion threatening their community.

The monarch said the 12-year old collapsed Ezu bridge and erosion threat have retarded economic growth and development of the area, calling on both State and Federal Governments to come to their rescue.

Igwe Obelle who spoke on behalf of the people, regretted that some villages were being threatened by the two erosion sites, expressing fears that some buildings within the area might soon cave in.

“The lake is a living thing that needs to be cleansed, dredged and have it as natural fish pond, and other aquacultures and a tourist attraction that can generate revenue for the State.

“The Ezu lake neglect and abandonment for about 12 years now is as a result of the collapsed Ezu bridge that was constructed with woods in those days of the Colonia masters. The old colonial road has also damaged sequel to the collapsed bridge.

“We urge the State Government to reconstruct the bridge, rehabilitate the Ezu road with asphalt and tar it so that the people will easily get to the river and do their business smoothly without hindrance,” he stated.

Also speaking, former Interim President General of the community, Chief George Okonkwo lamented that the threat was beyond the community’s financial capacity, canvassing for part of federal government’s ecological fund be used to tackle the menace.

He praised the monarch for his selfless service, revealing that Mgboko erosion site where the erosion started in the 1980s remained the worst hit, and has been there till date.

“Houses are now under serious threat, each year it rains, it expands. The erosion menace is threatening also in Mmimi, Umunkwa, Umuezuru, and Eziakpaka,” he decried.