Cross River State Commissioner for Works, Mr Pius Edet, has disclosed that no fewer than 75 erosion sites have been identified across Calabar metropolis following persistent heavy rainfall.
Edet made the disclosure during an oversight visit by members of the Cross River State House of Assembly to erosion and landslide sites in the metropolis, including the Assembly Residential Quarters, Ekorinim, Calabar.
The Commissioner said the recurrent heavy downpour in the city had continued to worsen erosion and landslide challenges, resulting in extensive damage to roads, buildings and other infrastructure.
According to him, ‘The issue of erosion and landslides in Calabar has become a recurrent decimal due to heavy downpour.’
He assured residents that the state government would take swift measures to address the identified erosion sites, stressing that the extent of damage required urgent intervention.
Edet also called for the intervention of other relevant government agencies, noting that the magnitude of the erosion challenge was massive and could not be tackled by a single agency alone.
The Commissioner spoke during the Assembly’s oversight visit to the Anansa Road landslide site and the erosion site at the Assembly Residential Quarters, Ekorinim.
The oversight followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised on the deplorable state of erosion control infrastructure within the Assembly Residential and Office Complex by Hon. Linus Bassey, member representing Akamkpa II State Constituency.
Presenting the motion before the House, Bassey said the Assembly Residential Quarters, constructed in 1977, had deteriorated considerably, with collapsed erosion-control infrastructure posing serious threats to the lives and property of lawmakers, their families and staff.
He said heavy rainfall, which had become frequent in Calabar, had left members and staff living in fear of flooding and erosion.
Bassey further disclosed that the perimeter fence that previously prevented floodwater from entering the quarters had recently been pulled down by flood, while a duplex behind the quarters and a nearby hospital structure had also been brought down by flooding.
He expressed concern over a ravine around the residential quarters, which he said posed a serious threat to adjoining buildings.
The lawmaker also drew attention to a gutter at the main entrance of the Assembly Office Complex, warning that the deepening channel beneath the road could eventually cause the road to collapse if urgent measures were not taken.
Reacting to the motion, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, and other lawmakers expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and unanimously supported the call for urgent intervention.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the motion as timely, stressing that the welfare and safety of lawmakers, staff and other Cross Riverians must be prioritised.
During the oversight visit to the Anansa Road landslide site, Asuquo said that although the incident occurred while the House was on recess, its impact made it a matter of serious concern to the legislature.
He called for immediate action to address the erosion challenge, warning that further delay could result in loss of lives and property.
At the Assembly Residential Quarters, the Leader observed that what started as a small erosion channel had gradually developed into a widening gully.
‘What started as a very small narrow path has developed into a gully erosion site which keeps expanding. If nothing is urgently done, it will develop into something more devastating,’ he said.
The Assembly urged the state government and relevant agencies to urgently commence remedial works at the affected sites to prevent further destruction and avert possible loss of lives and property.