Erosion: How Willie Obiano & World Bank saved Nnewi community
Massive work is still going on at the Nnewi 100ft road gully Erosion control site.
The erosion which started many years ago, became worrisome and devastating in the early 80s. The only meaningful control work done at the site was by Ronasco Inc. a civil engineering firm with core competency in flood & Erosion control, in early 90s during the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida “IBB” Rtd.
Between then and last year, the situation of the site kept going from bad to worse thereby endangering and destroying many family’s lives, businesses and properties.
From Ibb’s regime till date, we have had many Governors in this state, four of them were democratically elected civilian Governors. Why none of them deemed it to come to the rescue of Nnewi community by fixing the Erosion, is best known to them.
( Remember that Ecological fund office was established as far back as in 1985 under the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It should also be noted that states and Local Govts have been receiving their share of the Ecological fund as part of their monthly allocation from the Federal Account Allocation Committee).
The world Bank had planned to co-join the 100ft road’s project to that of Obiofia Nnewichi which they are almost completing.
However, unfortunately few individuals who are always hell-bent to always be a clog in the wheel of progress in any developmental plan in Nnewi, boasted that they had concluded plans for Federal government’s intervention at the site, this made the world Bank to pull out, and due to the fact, according to their position, their intervention will amount to wasting of resources, since arrangements has been concluded with the federal government to move in.
After waiting for what seemed like eternity for Federal Govt and those that promised that they will bring them, the Anambra State Govt decided to do some palliative work at the site to forestall further damages.
The devastating effects of the last year’s unprecedented heavy rain to the properties around the Erosion site, and the save our soul “SOS” cry made to the Governor by the Nnewi community through Hon Sir Melie Onyejepu, more especially the looming threat being posed to NKWO NNEWI MARKET, the biggest motorcycle spare parts market in Africa, made His Excellency to take a bold step by awarding the contract of what we are witnessing today to a reputable, Erosion Control and Management company like IDC to the tune of three billion naira (#3b)
We must also not forget that within those said period, Nnewi community have had the opportunity of having many of its sons and daughters occupying one political office or the other, either by election or through appointments both at State and National levels, yet the erosion kept expanding.
Kudos must be given to His Excellency, Chief Dr Sir Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, Akpokuedike Global, Odogwu omanbala, AKPOO AZA Nnewi, for being a listening Governor, and for bracing all odds and taking the bull by the horn to fund this Erosion control project. No doubt, it shows how much he loves and cares for Nnewi community.
A special mention must also be made of the meaningful, formidable and very important contributions made by some kind hearted individuals from Nnewi community towards the actualization of the project, the most loyal, humble and obedient, but hardworking SA on Budgeting and planning/IGR to the Governor of Anambra State, Hon Sir Melie Onyejepu, Ogbuefi, the Nnewi Monarch, HRH Igwe K O N Orizu 111, MON, JP, Hon Nonso Smart Okafor and others.
(Only those close to corridor of Agu Awka will understand their selfless and tireless efforts). “NDI NNEWI WON’T FORGET”.
The story of how the same set of individuals helped tremendously to solve the problem of Obiofia nnewichi Nnewi Erosion through the world Bank contributions will be for another day.
Bona Ogbonna
