The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to tackle recurring flooding and gully erosion, identifying illegal developments on waterways and violations of physical planning regulations as major contributors to the environmental challenges facing communities across the state.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a joint inspection of flood- and erosion-prone areas in Ogidi and Onitsha by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Okey Ezeobi; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu; and Commissioner for Environment, Mr Clem Aguiyi.
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The team visited several affected locations, including Ogidi Market, Building Materials Market, Opi Stream, Marine Area, Trans-Nkisi Layout and parts of the 3-3 area of Onitsha, to assess the extent of damage caused by flooding and erosion and determine priority intervention measures.
Speaking during the inspection, Mr Ezeobi said the state government remained committed to providing lasting solutions to the perennial flooding challenge. He disclosed that Phases Two and Three of the Ogidi Flood Control Project had been completed, while the design for the remaining phase was ready for implementation.
He expressed concern over the level of destruction recorded in some communities and urged residents to desist from activities that contribute to erosion and environmental degradation.
Mr Ojukwu said investigations revealed that some traders at the Building Materials Market in Ogidi had erected shops and plazas on designated drainage channels, obstructing the free flow of stormwater and aggravating flooding in the area.
He warned that the government would remove structures encroaching on waterways and drainage corridors to restore critical drainage networks and enforce planning regulations across the state.
The commissioner stressed that illegal developments remained one of the major causes of flooding and erosion in Anambra and noted that the growing gully erosion threat in Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha, required urgent intervention.
Also speaking, Mr Aguiyi attributed much of the environmental degradation in the state to human activities, including illegal construction on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and the destruction of vegetation that naturally helps control erosion.
He called on residents to support government efforts by protecting drainage infrastructure, planting erosion-control trees and adopting environmentally responsible practices.
Community leaders and stakeholders commended the state government for responding to their concerns and pledged support for initiatives aimed at providing lasting solutions to flooding, erosion and environmental degradation in affected communities.
