Council Boss Urges FG To Tackle Gully Erosion In Itu LGA

… Inspects ongoing dualization of the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu road

…As SERMATECH promises to deliver quality roads

The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area; Hon. (Barr.) Etetim Onuk has appealed to the Federal government of Nigeria to come to the aid of Itu Local Government Area, as the gully erosion sites scattered across the Local Government Area continue to widen and further endanger the lives of residents.

Barr. Onuk who made the plea during a tour of some erosion-plagued areas in the Local Government Area said the worsening situation of the gully sites currently threatens the survival of the people of Itu Local Government Area and their properties as many lives in constant fear of landslide, particularly as the rainy season approaches.

The Itu council boss lamented that the erosion challenge is beyond the capacity of the Local and state government, adding that he has been working towards getting the world bank to get involved and passionately pleaded that the Federal government should intervene and save the people of the area from the impending disaster that could destroy many lives and properties if not curbed. He observed that due to the peculiar topography of the area, colossal gully erosion remains a major menace in Itu Local government area and needs to be urgently checked.

Areas visited by Onuk during the tour include; Oku Iboku, Ayadehe, Ntiat Itam, Ikot Annie Itam, Mbak Atai Itam and Ikot Anse Itam where the hazardous gullies either led to the relocation of residents or dangerously threatening to sweep them away or cut them off from the rest of the community. He also inspected some parts of the ongoing dualization of the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu road that passes through Itu Local Government Area.

The Itu council chairman used the opportunity to express gratitude to the federal government for restarting the construction of the road which bad state had been a constant thorn in the flesh of motorists plying that route. He said he looked forward to the completion of the project this time around as the economic importance of the road cannot be overestimated.

Meanwhile, the construction firm handling part of the Calabar- Odukpani-Itu road dualization project; SERMATECH Nigeria Limited stated that in line with the company’s tradition and policy, they remain committed to executing quality and durable jobs within the specified timeframe.

This was disclosed by the Project Engineer; Iheanacho Chibueze who said SERMATECH has a custom of executing projects that stand the test of time. He however pointed out that the major hindrance to the pace of work done on the road is the issue of the payment of compensation to landowners by the Federal Government.