Professor TOC Ndubizu, an elder statesman, has revealed shocking details and expressed deep sadness over the expiration of the World Bank’s N10 billion erosion control project in Urualla, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The project, aimed at tackling the devastating erosion menace in Ideato North and South, was stalled due to disagreements between the Imo State government and the World Bank.
According to Prof. Ndubizu, the project was initially scheduled for execution during Governor Rochas Okorocha’s tenure but was halted due to disagreements over project implementation procedures.
He noted that the Imo State government had demanded supervision and payment of N500 million as counterpart funding, which the World Bank refused to negotiate.
The project remained stalled until Governor Emeka Ihedioha approved the payment of the counterpart fund and ordered commencement of work.
However, the Imo State government under Senator Hope Uzodinma failed to proceed with the project without explanation.
Prof. Ndubizu described the project as a “hung jury,” emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to address the erosion problem, which has plagued Ideato North and South since the 1970s.
Information available to this newspaper indicated that in 2009/2010, the federal government sent N12 billion to control erosion in the area, but nothing was heard about the report submitted by Mrs. Comfort Chukwu, a member of the then Imo State Executive Council.
In a related development, a group, Ogbako Ideato National Secretary, Chief Ndubizu Ugoji, has urged leaders to prioritize finding solutions to the erosion problem.
He emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that any work to be done next dry season must be set in motion now.
He stated that the World Bank has pulled out of the project, leaving Ideato North and South local government areas to suffer under the devastating effects of erosion.
Erosion Challenges in Ideato North and South
- Umuchima erosion on Orlu-Ideato road
- Isiekenesi and Umueshi deep gullies on Okwelle-Ntueke road
- Over four-kilometer Ikpa Nwangwu gully erosion land slide at Isiokpo