Anambra gov’t takes proactive measures to prevent flooding

On Feb 6, 2023

Anambra states government is taking proactive measures to prevent flooding and to avoid a repeat of 2022 disaster.

Chief Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), advised residents of the state against throwing solid waste into water channels.

“Checking the disposal of solid waste into water channels could prevent flash floods especially in the urban centres.”

He said that if the water channels were open, flood water would freely empty into nearby streams and rivers.

The SEMA boss said, what had compounded flooding in the urban centres before now was poor sanitary attitude of the residents.

According to him, the flood disaster which occurs when rivers overflow its banks is natural, saying there is very little or nothing government could do to prevent such.

He said, to avoid a repeat of the level of devastation experienced by residents of the state last year, the state Ministry of Environment and Flood Committee were cleaning up all water channels.

“The committee headed by Dr Onyekachi Ibezim is working in conjunction with the state Ministry of Environment to ensure that all water channels in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia are cleaned.

“All what we advise is that residents should stop further pouring of solid waste into the water channels,” he said.

A resident of Awka, Mr John Igboka, called on the state government to intensify efforts towards cleaning the water channels.