The Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area has drawn the attention of the Anambra state government to the havoc being caused by erosion and flooding following the ongoing dualization of the Nwagu Agulu Nnobi Nnewi Okija Road.
The community is appealing to the government to take drastic action to save the impending loss of lives and the ongoing monumental loss of property already being recorded in the area.
In a statement, the Spokesman and community leader in the area, Ebubechukwu Etudo said the prompt action by the government will avert the impending mass displacement of more residents and the famous Afor-Nnobi market.
Etudo recalled that he had about six months ago alerted the government on the possible impact of the project after agents of the State Government marked most properties on the Nnobi axis of the said road for demolition in order to pave the way for the dualization project.
Etudo who is an Estate Surveyor and Valuer noted that the project did not follow due process such as environmental impact assessment EIA as prescribed by law and that the land owners were not notified that their land was required for public purposes.
He said there was neither a prior survey of the road which according to him is a breach of the Federal HighWay Act nor a proper enumeration and valuation of affected properties in breach of the Land Use Act.
The spokesman made it clear that most landowners on the corridor have nowhere to move to, even if they are compensated saying that the situation called for a prior comprehensive resettlement plan for the residents.
Etudo therefore appealed to the state government to suspend the project, evaluate it for compliance with extant laws and complete the Nnobi Ring Road which appears to have been truncated.
About Author
