By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), on July 18, has begun dredging and clearing the Ikenga waterway in Awka as part of measures to curb flooding and erosion in the state capital.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, said the exercise was designed to restore the free flow of stormwater through the channel, which drains into the Ezu River via Agu Awka.
He said the waterway had become heavily silted over the years and further obstructed by illegal structures, resulting in recurrent flooding and erosion during the rainy season.
According to Onuko, the Authority deployed a swamp buggy to dredge the channel and remove all encroachments hindering the natural flow of water.
He said the intervention would enhance stormwater discharge, reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, and protect lives, property and public infrastructure within the Awka Capital Territory.
The ACTDA chief executive said the project was in line with the urban renewal agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at transforming Awka into a livable, prosperous and smart mega city.
He urged residents to support the initiative by desilting drainage channels, keeping waterways free of refuse and reporting cases of encroachment on public spaces and water channels.
Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
