ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE BAN ON OPEN MECHANICAL WORKSHOPS

By Chidubem Okoye

The Anambra State Government has announced plans to begin full enforcement of the ban on open mechanical workshops across major cities in the state.

Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, disclosed this to journalists in Awka ahead of World Environment Day, marked annually on 5 June.

Dr Aguiyi said the enforcement is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s drive to realise the African-Dubai-Taiwan Silicon Valley, ADTS, vision for Anambra, stressing that the state will no longer tolerate activities that distort the urban landscape and have devastating effects on the environment.

“Open-air mechanic operations in our city centres deface the environment, pollute groundwater with waste oil, and block drainage systems. To build the liveable and prosperous Anambra we envision, we must eliminate these practices.”

Dr Aguiyi urged all owners of mechanic workshops in urban areas, particularly Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, to immediately fence off their premises.

“Government will not relent. Every mechanic workshop must be properly enclosed, with waste management systems in place. Open spaces used for repairs along roads and streets will no longer be allowed,” he warned.

In a related development, the commissioner announced that from next week, the Ministry of Environment will begin marking buildings and structures erected on waterways and flood channels across the state for demolition.

He noted that indiscriminate construction on natural drainage paths has worsened flooding in several communities, and enforcement is necessary to protect lives, property, and the environment.

“The era of impunity is over. We are appealing to developers and residents to comply now before the task force moves in,” Dr Aguiyi added.

The ministry said a grace period will be communicated through town criers and local government authorities before full enforcement begins.

Chidubem Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State