A multi-million naira plaza housing some firms at Okpara Avenue, Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu and the Abakaliki Expressway, is currently under threat of gully erosion and landslide.

The erosion, which has eaten deep towards the foundation of the plaza, swept away almost all the perimeter fencing of the plaza and some parts of its premises.

It also crept towards the main road directly opposite Access Bank Branch at Okpara Avenue and endangered the ever-busy road after eating up the base of the pedestrian walkway.

The Guardian observed at the scene of the incident that two vehicles belonging to one of the firms operating in the plaza, skidded into the big gully Tuesday morning under the pressure owing to the effect of the erosion after hours of rain Monday night.

It was gathered that the company hired a crane to evacuate the trapped vehicles from the ditch, while the owner of the plaza used roofing sheets to create a caution for reckless road users.

One of the occupants of the house, expressed fear that the plaza might cave in any time soon if nothing is done to salvage the situation.

He called on the state government to come to the aid of the property and the road, which is under threat of collapse.

Meanwhile, the state commissioner for environment, Prof. Samuel Ugwu, described the erosion as avoidable, attributing it to illegal approval of building permits by some unscrupulous government officials.

He disclosed that the building was erected against the government guidelines.

He said: “That thing happened two days ago and we were there yesterday. We have taken a look at it. What happened there was against government guidelines from the ministry of environment.

“When they were building that house, the ministry advised them against it because that is a waterway.

“But they went ahead because they had some money and people approved it. Now look at the devastating result!

“However, the government is not keeping quiet about it. We are taking action to reduce the effect of the erosion with remedial work on the portion of the area.”

The commissioner, therefore, cautioned residents to desist from the habit of building and constructing on water channels and canals in their vicinity irrespective of the temptations.