By Chinaza Osigwe
Students and staff of Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, have appealed for urgent government intervention as erosion continues to wreak havoc on the school environment, destroying infrastructure and disrupting academic activities.The erosion menace has already brought down two classroom blocks, while four additional classroom blocks and the staff room are reportedly at risk of collapse.The situation came to light during an assessment visit by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency to evaluate the extent of the damage.Speaking during the visit, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Eucharia Ogbunyi, the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Chief Igwedimma Muologwu, and the Senior Prefect, Master Uchechukwu Obi, expressed concern over the worsening condition of the school.
They said the erosion has forced several students to withdraw from the institution and warned that the lives of students and teachers remain in danger as weakened structures could collapse at any time.According to the school authorities, the porous nature of the environment had previously exposed the school to security challenges, including attacks by cultists, until security measures were introduced.
They attributed the persistent flooding in the area to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure.Providing a possible solution, Engineer Alex Chukwunwike proposed an integrated erosion control project that would include landscaping, concrete works, and drainage construction. He explained that floodwater would be harnessed and channelled to Obibia Stream, located about 1.25 kilometres from the school.
