Residents of the erosion-ravaged area of Ovom Street, Ogbor Hill, Aba, have appealed to the state government to allow them continue to reside in the area while reconstruction works are carried out on the site.
The residents lament that they have no other place to relocate to and would lose their means of livelihood if they are forced out of the area.
The state government had offered temporary relocation to hotels to allow reconstruction works to commence in the area.
A cross section of the residents told newsmen that it is possible for the reconstruction works to go on while they continue with their lives and businesses.
A resident, a widow, Mrs. Chinwe pleaded: “We are pleading with the government to allow us to stay while they reconstruct the area. Where are they expecting us to relocate to? This borehole water I am selling is my only source of livelihood. So, what becomes my fate if they relocate us? This building is the only property left by my late husband. If they relocate us to the temporary place, how can we be feeding and taking care of ourselves?”
Some of the residents urged the state government to release funds to the affected residents to enable them to find alternative accommodation. Others stated that they do not trust the state government’s hotel offer because they may be abandoned at the place.
However, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Joy Maduka, disclosed that the state government has offered temporary accommodation in hotels to the victims and urged them to accept the offer to avoid loss of lives and property.
She noted that the erosion which has stretched more than 200 metres, had destroyed many buildings and threatening lives of residents.
Due to the increasing flood and erosion, the state government had in October 2023, declared the area an endangered area and warned residents to relocate.
Maduka stated that the residents have been served with vacation order and asked to relocate since January 12, 2024.
She further explained that the government wants to ensure that no life is lost as well as stop the destruction of more property.
“The government is appealing to the residents of the erosion- ravaged areas of Ovom Street to relocate.
Most of them have relocated to other areas. The government is offering temporary accommodation to the residents who are yet to relocate. They need to relocate to safe places to allow reconstruction work to commence in the area.
“Time given them to relocate has expired. We have given them several notices, the last one expired on January 12, 2024. Government wants to ensure that no life is lost and to save more buildings. The government is appealing to them not to delay their relocation because nobody knows how far the erosion has penetrated underground. We are appealing to them to relocate without further delay.
Adequate measures will be put on ground to manage the situation”, the Permanent Secretary said.
Peoplesmind