The Anambra State Assembly has decried the poor and slow work pace at erosion sites despite the annual budgetary allocation.

Edward Ibuzo, chairman, House Committee on Environment, expressed dissatisfaction when the Ministry of Environment appeared before the House to defend its 2023 budget on Wednesday.

Mr Ibuzo said the committee visited some of the erosion sites and drains and discovered that some of the projects had been abandoned while the level of work at some sites was poor and slow.

He said erosion problems should be prioritised, noting that Anambra has been described as the headquarters of erosion menace in the country.

“The worst erosion sites in Anambra include Agulu, Nanka, Adazi-Nnukwu, Oko, Ozubulu, Nnewi Ichi, Onitsha, Awka, Oba and others.

“The menace is even expanding and has eaten up over 50 per cent of the land mass in the state while also threatening the lives and property of people in the affected areas.

“It is sad that every year, the ministry will present projects on the erosion control and desilting of drains across the state; we will approve funds, but all we see is zero implementation,” he said.

Reacting, Felix Odimegwu, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, attributed the poor and slow place of work to a lack of funds.

Mr Odimegwu said the present administration was prepared to tackle the menace to forestall the scourge this time.

“ Under my ministry, we will regulate the reckless endangerment of our environment by illegal sand miners and others whose activities pose a danger to our environment,” he said.

The sum of N62 million was allocated to the Ministry of Environment while agencies under the ministry, such as Leisure Parks and Street Beautification Agency, got N217 million.

The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project got N1 billion, and the Clear Drainage and Forest Preservation Agency also got N1 billion in the 2023 budget. 

(NAN)