The Abia State Government has expressed deep concern as the once pristine community stream in Aro Ajatakiri, part of Ajata-na-Igu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, has taken on an alarming colour.
Fishes in the stream and local ponds have been discovered dead, prompting an urgent response.
PUNCH Metro reports that the state government has sounded a health alarm, advising the community to refrain from using the water until a thorough investigation is conducted.
In a statement released by the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, he stated: “The Aro Ajatakiri Community stream, located in Ajate-na-Igu Autonomous Community, is now contaminated and deemed unfit for human consumption. The Ministry of Environment urges the community to cease using the stream pending a comprehensive investigation currently underway.”
Ogbonna further explained that the investigation is diligently looking into the cause of the contamination: “The water color changed abruptly, and fish deaths were reported. Our team is working to identify the source of contamination, leaning towards potential industrial waste. We aim to pinpoint the source based on a thorough investigation.”
The traditional ruler of the community, King Larry Agwu, acknowledged the issue, linking it to fishermen using Gamalin 20 in the stream.
However, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, remained unavailable for comments on the health ministry’s preparedness to address the concerns.
