‘Consult A Geologist Before Building To Avoid Landslides’ ‐ Professor Advises Enugu Residents

Kingsley Ugwu, a professor of geology and mining, Saturday, attributed the landslides ravaging some parts of Udi, Enugu North and Ezeagu local government areas of Enugu State to Ajali sandstone formations, “and not totally by abandoned coal mines.”’

Ugwu was reacting to claims that abandoned coal mines are the causes of landslides and gullies currently ravaging many communities of the zone.

THE WHISTLER reported that although the state government was reclaiming some affected areas, such as Amuzam, many communities, such as Nsude, Nachi, Obioma, Abor and Ngwo face extinction.

The geologist therefore called for involvement of experts during construction in the affected areas.

In his words, “The Abor-Nsude axis, where you have a lot of gullies and landslides, sits on Ajali sandstone formations, which are prone to erosion. It starts with small tracks, and gradually triggers into slides. Roads are constructed with water channels not being taken to base levels. The moment such channels are left on the surface, the aftermath is erosion.

“This is the case at Ugwu Onyeama by the express road. Those channels were not taken to the stream base. Water must find its level, otherwise it will start eating backwards.

“Geologists should be consulted during construction. The Ajali sandstone formation is a major reservoir in the 9th Mile area. It is also the major source of water in Enugu. The sands are not compact. Those Agbaja communities are seated on them.

“It is the same at Ngwo. Amuzam people should consult professionals. The professionals will determine if it is Ajali sandstone formations, or the aftermath of the abandoned coal mines.

“Abandoned mines portend hazards. Before mining is carried out, there should be environmental impact assessments to determine the after-effect of such mines. It entails returning mined areas to their original positions.

“Fauna and flora plants that were there before mining should be reserved in nurseries for re-plantation after mining. The consequencies of abandoning mines include mine washes, water pollution, growth of hazardous plants and gullies.”

The affected communities, under the umbrella of Agbaja Leaders of Thought, told our correspondent that they could not find the coal mining maps of the areas to determine the danger zones.

Its secretary, Agu Gab Agu, a professor of international law, also called for the restitution of the affected landlords by the government because of ecological problems they currently face.