The Abia State Government has announced the commencement of urgent intervention and mitigation works at flood and erosion sites in two rural communities. Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu revealed this during a press briefing in Umuahia on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting.
The affected communities are Amamba Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area and Ipupe Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area. Governor Alex Otti directed the Ministry of Environment to take immediate action to reclaim degraded land and prevent further destruction.
Governor's Directive for Immediate Action
Kanu stated that the governor had instructed the Commissioner for Environment to deploy urgent measures. “Let me report that relief will soon come the way of inhabitants of Amamba Uzuakoli flood and erosion site in Bende Local Government Area and Ipupe, Ubakala flood site in Umuahia South Local Government Area,” he said. The commissioner and a team of engineers have already conducted on-the-spot assessments of the damage.
Kanu added that the ministry is intensifying efforts to ensure mitigation works commence immediately. The intervention aims to avert further environmental degradation and protect the affected communities.
Climate Change Policy Document Awaits Approval
Kanu also disclosed that the Abia State Climate Change Policy Document is awaiting the governor’s approval. He described it as a major step toward addressing environmental challenges in the state. “As soon as the governor signs off on that policy document, it will become operational,” he said.
According to him, the policy will enable the international community to take Abia State more seriously in combating climate change. It will open up several climate funding opportunities across sectors in the state. Implementation will also help reduce the impact of climate-related challenges such as flooding, erosion, heat waves, and food insecurity.
Sanitary Inspection Exercise Continues
The Ministry of Environment has sustained its house-to-house sanitary inspection exercise across all 17 local government areas of the state. Kanu reported that during the period under review, 103 villages were visited for sensitisation, health education, and sanitary inspections. About 9,000 premises were inspected, and 37,500 premises received abatement notices for environmental health violations. After follow-up inspections, 2,500 premises achieved compliance.
“With these sanitary inspection interventions, Abia State continues to score very highly in environmental cleanliness among the comity of states in the country,” Kanu concluded.
