…Our homes under severe threat, farmlands destroyed, source of drinkable water contaminated
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IMO — If there is any community in the Southeast Nigeria arguably witnessing the worst form of existential threat, it is Mgbee community in Orlu Council Area of Imo state.
The town which is at the border of Orlu and Ideato South LGA’s is currently helpless and hopeless following heavy flooding and erosion menace that is gradually driving residents of the area out of their homes.
The flooding and erosion are said to have already destroyed their farmlands and succeeded in contaminating their only source of drinkable water from Orashi river.
NIGERIAN NEWSGUIDE learnt that as the 2025 rainy season is about to take off, residents of Mgbee community are having deadly nightmares not knowing the type of calamity that may befall them as a result of twin disasters of flood and erosion.
Perplexed and confused as per the way out of their life threatening predicament, the community had since written Governor Hope Uzodimma begging him to come to their rescue before the worst happens.
A letter addressed to Gov. Hope Uzodimma dated 10th March, 2025, which was signed by the President General of Mgbee Town Union, Chief Fidel Agu, a retired Director in the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and his Secretary General, Prince Izuchukwu Ibekwe sighted by NIGERIAN NEWSGUIDE reads thus:
Your Excellency,
URGENT INTERVENTION NEEDED TO SAVE MGBEE COMMUNITY FROM EROSION AND FLOOD MENACE .
We, the people of Mgbee community, are compelled to bring to your attention the devastating impact of erosion and flood menace in our community. The recent flood and landslide at Umuchima, Ideato South LGA, have left us vulnerable and without any form of support or relief.
Our community is on the brink of extinction due to severe erosion and flooding, which has ravaged our land, contaminated our water sources, and destroyed our farmlands. Many homes are threatened, and the approaching rainy season poses an existential risk. The entire Orashi river and streams in Mgbee have been submerged by sand from erosion, leaving us without access to clean drinking water. The presence of dangerous reptiles in the lake-like rivers further exacerbates the situation.
There are serious concerns about the outbreak of epidemics due to the polluted water, which is being used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and washing clothes. Some sections of the community have been completely cut-off while children from those areas are no longer attending school.
In light of this, we respectfully request your urgent intervention to save our community. We require immediate attention to mitigate the effects of erosion and flooding. Specifically, we need:
– *Emergency Erosion Control Measures*: Dredging of Orashi River to allow for the free flow of stagnant water from other tributaries, thereby preventing further damage and protecting our homes and farmlands.
– *Health Centre*: to cater to the medical needs of our people, especially in emergency situations.
Provision of Clean Water (Boreholes)*: to ensure access to safe drinking water for our residents.
– Relocation and Resettlement: of affected families to safer areas.
– Construction of Rural Roads: to enable our children and other residents who are cut off to have access to education and their kith and kin.
Your Excellency, we believe that your prompt intervention will go a long way in saving the lives and properties of the people of Mgbee. We are confident that your administration will take immediate action to address these pressing issues.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
