31 rains into the wet season of the year 2024, ecological issues within and around Auchi Sacred Kingdom have continued to degenerate from bad to worse -leaving residents, business owners and indigines worried about the foreseeable future of their stay in gully prone areas.
One of such areas is the Usokhuili gully (in the Usokhuili axis of Iyekhei Heritage Zone) that has continued to threaten the Auchi-Ayuele tarred road which has now become a passage way for goods, services and people between Auchi and the southward part of Edo State as a result of the deteriorating condition of Benin-Okene expressway.
Many who spoke to ABS News Network concerning the unfortunate development have complained bitterly about their disdain for how silent government has been to the cries of residents who have continued to speak up -asking for help from those in authorities.
Although, the part of the road affected by erosion was repaired last year -thanks to the efforts of Princess Otse Momoh through whom the Edo State government sent a contractor to fix the road, many noted that the approach to fixing the gully-prone area was totally wrong -being that the source of the problem was not addressed.
Speaking to the matter, Comrade Osigbemhe, Chairman of Auchi Dynamic Youths Association Zone E (Iyekhei Chapter) noted that the current condition of the road is such that threatens the safety of commuters and could result to a decline in economic activities in the area if not addressed urgently.
“The road may collapse, endangering lives and properties in the vicinity.
“Residents and business owners are anxiously awaiting authorities response to address the escalating risk posed by the erosion.
“The erosion along Ekhei Girls Road near Afe Akhuye market has plagued our community for years,” he said.
Comrade Osigbemhe stated that the most volume of runoff that passes through the area comes from Auchi Polytechnic and noted that the management together with stakeholders of the Polytechnic community have in the past put in efforts to salvage the situation but unfortunately, the situation has continued to persist.
He called on the Government to do a proper assessment of the situation with a view to taking the requisite actions that would solve the lingering degradation of the land as a result of erosion -noting that the economic prosperity, development and progression of the people in the area could be seriously affected if left unattended.
“If left unchecked, the erosion could lead to even greater damage and consequences for our community.” he told ABS while expressing frustration over the dire situation and the consequences it poses to life and living in the area.
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️ Jeremiah Kadiri | AUCHI BLOG & SERVICES | absnews.net.ng | auchiblog@gmail.com | 05/07/024 | Auchi, Edo State | +2348069055018
