As the raining season resumes in full force, the third phase of desilting of drainages in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State has commenced to avert environmental threats associated with flooding.
The exercise which kicked off on Saturday, at Onitsha North LGA, through Onitsha South and down to Awka South Local Government Area and would be replicated across other council areas was powered by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Clear Drainage and Forest Preservation Agency.
Speaking during the exercise, Managing Director, Anambra State Clear Drainage And Forest Preservation Agency, Chido Obidiegwu, who led the operation in some areas visited, appealed to Ndi Anambra to desist from dumping of refuge into drainages and building structures on waterways, among actions that cause flooding , warning that sanctions will be applied.
In his remarks, Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Patrick Mba and his Awka South counterpart, Mr. Leo Nwuba, said they had embarked on sensitisation and other measures to discourage people from environmental abuses and thanked the state government for the timely intervention.
Dr. Okey Igweike, Mr. Shedrack Okpala and Mrs. Obiageli Ogbuli, among other residents of the areas visited recounted their ordeals whenever it rains and commended Governor Willie Obiano for being the first to embark on the exercise to ensure free flow of water.
Anaedoonline.com reported that Anambra State Government has cautioned against blockage of drainage channels ahead of rainy season.
Obidiegwu, gave the warning in Nnewi, while inspecting some drainage channels at Ukwaka bridge, Umuezena Umudim, Nnewi.
Mr. Obidiegwu regretted that some people still use drainage channels as waste bin which is against the wish of the present administration noting that flooding and erosion will not be much of a challenge to the people of Anambra state if the people would abide to right attitude to waste disposal.
Mr Obidiegwu who condemned the act of dumping and burning waste inside drainages called on the people involved to refrain from such act as anyone caught will face the consequences under the law, urging the people to make use of the receptacles provided by the government for proper waste management.
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