By David Okpokwasili

Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi has reinforced the call for a collective action in the fight against environmental degradation, noting that with nearly 30% of her land mass threatened by erosion, it is safe to say that Anambra is sinking.

He said the fight against erosion and environmental degradation in Anambra is a fight for survival and urgency that demands that Ndi Anambra from across socio-political divides should come together and find a common sustainable solution.

The Environment Commissioner was speaking when he visited Ugama Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area where a landslide led to a massive gully erosion last weekend.

Commissioner Aguiyi commended the community for mobilizing resources immediately to nip the erosion from further destruction and promised that the state government through the Ministries of Works, Environment and Physical Planning will sit together and design a permanent solution to the site.

Earlier, the President General of the Obosi Community, Mr Chimezie Obi recounted the efforts made by the community to stop the expansion of the erosion site in its wake and suggested some permanent solutions including an erosion control work that will channel floodwater into the Idemili River or construct a road that will connect to the River Niger Bridge bypass.

Speaking on behalf of residents of the community whose residence are threatened by the erosion site, an illustrious son of the community, Engr Eric Anyaemene said the devastation occurred within two hours, as such needed an emergency response which he quickly mobilized to save residents from further loss of property.