By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA — A TEAM from the World Bank is in Anambra State to assess the damage done by gully erosion in the state, with the leader of the delegation, Dr. Amos Abu, acknowledging that the state government’s intervention at the Umuchiana Ekwulobia erosion site saved many communities in the area from disaster.

According to Abu, the state government’s intervention at many erosion sites in the state, as well as Governor Peter Obi’s continued pressure on the World Bank to assist is a clear demonstration of his concern towards the suffering of the people affected by the devastation.

He was elated that the successful control of the menace at some of the sites had stopped further encroachment and restored areas hitherto devastated, but insisted that collective efforts were required to consolidate on the achievements recorded.

Though he did not disclose the level of assistance to expect from the World Bank,  Abu said the bank had the experience, knowledge, skill and financial muscle to effectively reverse the devastation,

At the Isiakpuenu Nanka erosion site which the team also visited, Abu said an engineering approach would not be enough to tackle the huge devastation, suggesting that the site required integrated strategy that would include watershed management with total involvement of the various communities, state and federal governments, as well as the World Bank.

Governor Obi, who accompanied the team on the tour of the sites, said his continuous visits to various erosion sites and persistent appeals to Federal Government and development agencies were aimed at attracting world attention to provide a lasting solution to the menace.

The governor, who recalled that his administration spent several millions of Naira on the Umuchiana site, said the World Bank has the potentials to assist, adding that he was happy at the visit because it would surely yield good dividends.

The Traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, Igwe Emmanuel Onyeneke who lamented that the community has lost many households and farmland to the devastation, commended Governor Obi for taking practical and consistent steps to control the ravages of the scourge and save the community since the menace developed over 20 years ago.