Gully erosion is a major problem in several locations in Nnewi, especially Edoji and Nnewichi of Nnewi in Anambra State of Nigeria. It has sent families packing from their compounds and still threatens more. Its depth in many places is now stories high and still continues to deepen.
Gullies have not always existed in Edoji and Nnewichi in the 1970s the site for these gullies used to be normal ground. They were also motorable. These sites include Akabo, Umuogbo, and Ndiakwu, all in Nnewichi, and Edoji in Uruagu, all in Nnewi of Anambra State of Nigeria. Sharp sand used for building used to be obtained from the stream to which the roads lead. These roads have long been severed by the gully which has rendered them impassable.
In those days people used to fetch water from the stream which used to teem with activities especially during the dry season when water used to be scarce. But now the stream has dried up for unknown reasons. The Umuogbo road not only led to the stream, it was also an important connection to the Awuda village of Nnobi, a neighbouring town. People living here now have to travel longer distances in order to reach their next door neighbours.
The residents of these areas have found it difficult to halt the spread of the gully. Villagers have contributed money and tried to construct structures to check these gullies. But water washed away all these structures during erosion. The government has also constructed tarred roads towards these gullies only to stop at their edges. No solution has been found for the severed roads. And the situation continues to worsen.
The residents of these areas are poor. Many find it difficult to get food for the day. How then can they get the money to buy land to pack elsewhere? The situation is worse during the rains when residents live in constant fear of having their land and building slide into the gully. They are in dire need of help. They also lack the expertise to construct structures to check the growth of the gully and to fill it up. They have made their plight known to the government, yet they are still waiting for response.
Land is scarce in Nnewi. A plot of land of about 50feet * 100feet located in the village can cost as much as four million Naira. This is an equivalent of around $20,000. It is clear that only the rich can afford such an amount. Then, there is the cost of building materials. In order to construct a two bedroom flat, thousands of Naira is needed, perhaps millions. And this is beyond the reach of residents of these areas.
The name of the major market is Nkwo. This is where normal economic activities are carried out. It is located far from residents of some of these areas, about two miles, some of whom now have to travel farer because of severed roads. They also travel farer to attend schools and other neighbouring places because they have to negotiate around the gullies.
Gully formation also is threatening other parts of Edoji. During the rains, water wear out and carry away soil from roads and streets. These roads lose their levels and potholes are created. This has rendered some roads unmotorable, especially during the rainy season. This situation is everywhere. It is seen in all nooks and crannies all over Edoji. The roads are said to be local government roads. This means that they are neither State nor Federal government roads. And so it is the third tier of government that should look after them. The difference is that in contrast to the State and Federal government roads individuals and private organisations can step in and amend these roads. Sometimes, the villagers come out to construct the gutters and the roads. But they are ill-equipped both technically and financially. Some local construction methods actually serve to further the course of erosion menace. And the situation continues to worsen. Urgent action needs to be taken to save more roads from dilapidation.
In the olden days before the roads were constructed, there were bushes everywhere. Only footpaths existed. The roots of trees held the soil firm and rain water ran into the forest where they drain into the soil. With the construction of roads as well as more buildings, water is collected from compounds and form erosion that run along the roads and because the soil cannot resist the erosion, potholes are formed which develop into erosion gully.
Victims of soil erosion and the village dwellers need help to ameliorate their problems. Indigenes of Edoji and Nnewichi are sure to be thankful for any hands lent to help lift them from their plight.
Ephraim Elombah is a Civil Engineer based in Nnewi; elombahe@yahoo.com, +2348155516177