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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Government has given quit notice to residents of the erosion ravaged Ovom Street, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
They are to relocate to safe areas to allow reconstruction works commence on the erosion site.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Joy Maduka, who handed down the order, disclosed that the state government had offered temporary accommodation to the victims, and urged them to accept the offer to avoid loss of lives and property.
She noted that the erosion, which has stretched more than 500 metres along Ovom Street, had destroyed many buildings and was threatening the lives of residents.
It was gathered that due to the increasing flood and erosion, the state government had, in October 2023, declared the area an endangered zone and warned residents to relocate.
Mrs. Maduka said the residents had been served with a vacation order and asked to relocate on or before January 12.
She explained that the government wanted to ensure no life was lost as well as stop the destruction of more properties.
The Permanent Secretary also assured that adequate measures have been put in place to manage the situation, stressing that reconstruction work would commence as soon as the residents relocated.
Some of the residents pleaded with the government to allow them to stay in their houses while reconstruction work goes on. Others asked the state government to release funds to them to enable them find alternative accommodation.
