By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: A lawmaker in Delta State, Frank Esenwah, has raised serious concern over the escalating menace of gully erosion in several communities within Oshimili North Constituency, describing it as a threat to lives and property.
Esenwah, who represents the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, revealed that he was forced to abandon his own home in Illah due to the dangerous proximity of gully erosion that has already consumed buildings in the area.
“I had to leave my house in Illah that I built over twenty years ago. The gully erosion there is so deep it can swallow a three-storey building. My house is just about 100 metres from that terrifying gully,” the visibly concerned lawmaker told reporters in Asaba.
The erosion, according to him, has displaced many families in Illah, Igbuzor, Okpanam, Ogbeozoma New Layout, and Amachai. He noted that while efforts are being made through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), the scale of the problem remains overwhelming.
“There are even worse cases. If you visit the back of Talitta in Okpanam, you will be shocked. Houses are hanging at the edge of gullies and could cave in anytime,” he warned.
Esenwah called on the media to intensify advocacy and urged all tiers of government to prioritize tackling erosion across the state. He expressed optimism that being part of the mainstream political party might open opportunities for more federal funding to combat the ecological challenge.
Looking beyond the crisis, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to his constituents, announcing plans for empowerment programmes for women, youths, and men in June to mark his two years in office.
“I’ve co-sponsored several bills aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of our people. I’m also working on two personal bills I hope to present soon,” he disclosed.
Commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s performance in the last two years, Esenwah urged residents to support the governor’s development agenda.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented level of performance from the governor. The people should continue to rally behind him so that more projects can be delivered to our communities,” he said.
Erosion remains a growing concern in several parts of Delta State, with environmentalists warning that without urgent interventions, more communities risk being lost to nature.