Anambra State Halts River Re-Channeling Over Flood Risks at Hill View Estate
Flood Threats at Hill View Estate
The Anambra State Government has intervened to stop the re-channeling of the Ezu and Oja rivers around the Hill View Housing Estate in Nkwele Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area. The directive follows rising concerns that the host community’s activities could trigger catastrophic flooding and structural damage within the high-profile residential area.
Environmental Risks and Community Dispute
Hill View Housing Estate, developed by private firm Master Holdings since 2005, is one of the largest and most prominent residential developments in Anambra State, currently estimated at 95 per cent completion. Residents recently raised alarms over unauthorized work by members of the host community aimed at redirecting the natural flow of nearby rivers.
Reports indicate that the channelization efforts were intended to reclaim land and create additional plots adjacent to existing buildings. However, these activities have already resulted in the destruction of perimeter fences and the obstruction of established drainage paths. Residents fear that these alterations will redirect floodwaters into the estate during the forthcoming rainy season, potentially displacing families and destroying property.
Government Intervention and Legal Standing
The Managing Director of the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation (ASHDC), Chief Chike Anyaonu, formally ordered the immediate suspension of all works during a site inspection on 4 February 2026. Describing the actions as illegal, Anyaonu noted that the community had previously been advised to wait for the developer to conclude work before any boundary adjustments were discussed.
"The state government is in the process of taking over the management of the estate," Anyaonu stated. "Activities by some members of the host community are capable of damaging the estate's ecosystem, particularly through the alteration of the drainage system linked to the Ezu and Oja rivers."
The ASHDC further clarified that the government intended to utilize parts of the estate for social infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and playgrounds. These plans, aligned with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s social investment programmes, are currently threatened by the unauthorized land reclamation activities.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Resolution
A representative of the Eziubulu family the original landowners claimed the activities were occurring on land outside the portion officially acquired by the government. However, following the state’s directive, the family assured that all operations would be suspended pending a formal resolution with the ASHDC.
Outlook for Residents
Occupants of Hill View Estate have called for sustained enforcement of the stop-work order. Industry experts warn that interfering with the natural hydrology of the Ezu and Oja rivers poses a long-term risk to the integrity of the estate’s infrastructure. As of the time of reporting, authorities are continuing discussions with community leaders to preserve the estate’s environmental safety and ensure that all land-use activities comply with state urban planning regulations.
