Work has commenced in earnest at the Ovom gully erosion site in Ogbor Hill, Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State.
The gully erosion which started from Pepples road axis of the Waterside has swallowed many houses, churches, shops as it poses threat to human lives.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Site Engineer, Mr Anthony Anyim said the gully which is about 15meters deep and 27meters wide was going down to the Ovom street axis before it was arrested through a menial job immediately they came to site.
“Many of the buildings here are not save, so we built bridge that will stop the eroding of the erosion.” said Mr Anyim.
Mr Anyim who said they have succeeded in evacuating the refuse the residents were dumping at the site to control the erosion, explained that currently, they are filling and treating the soil before commencing the stone based and asphalting phases.
The Site Engineer however revealed that they have 4 months to deliver the project with sizeable gutters that will effectively collect the volume of storm water from the area unlike the single gutter it had before, while expressing delight that the State Government, the Greater Aba Development Agency and the residents have remained supportive.
In their reactions, some of the residents of Ovom Street affected by the disaster including, a widow, Mrs Caroline Uwazie, a retired Permanent Secretary, Elder Okechukwu Aguwa and Elder Innocent Odinakachi expressed joy that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has come to their rescue at the erosion site which has destroyed many properties and made many homeless.
“we are happy because the state Governor, Dr Alex Otti has sent contractors to work on the site and with the level of work so far, by January, enough work will be done.” They said.
They also stated some intervention measures taken to stop further encroachment of the gully erosion adding that they have also provided accommodations to the workers and spaces for the working materials while expecting that the contractor will deliver quality job on schedule.
