ANSEC DEEPENS FIGHT AGAINST EROSION, APPROVES BOLD REFORMS FOR TRANSPORT, TRAFFIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), at its meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, approved far-reaching measures to strengthen erosion control, improve transport safety and promote community-driven development across the state.

During an interview with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, on July 14, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said erosion remained ANSEC’s top priority, reflecting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s long-held position that it is Anambra’s greatest environmental challenge.

Dr. Mefor recalled that Governor Soludo recently declared a state of emergency on the environment, encouraging residents to clear drainage channels while government evacuated the debris. “I rate that compliance 80 to 90 percent, very impressive,” he said.

Building on that progress, he disclosed that ANSEC has resolved to deepen the intervention by working more closely with communities and encouraging greater grassroots participation in protecting the environment from erosion.

“ANSEC would mandate the communities to take specific measures against erosion in their communities,” he said, stressing the need to stop harmful practices such as dumping refuse in drainages, building on water channels and piping water directly onto roads.

Dr. Mefor described the initiative as a bottom-up approach that empowers community leaders to champion environmental restoration. He added that the campaign will also reach primary and secondary schools to encourage positive environmental habits from an early age.

On transportation, the Commissioner announced that ANSEC approved plans to modernise and digitise motor parks across the state, introducing standard facilities to improve commuter experience, enhance safety and eliminate long-standing operational challenges.

“If after the period of grace… a park in Anambra that is still not measuring up, such parks will be closed down until the standard facilities approved by government are put in place,” he warned.

The Council also approved tougher traffic penalties, including heavier fines and mandatory mental status examinations for dangerous traffic violations, describing reckless driving as a serious threat to lives, property and public safety across the state.

Dr. Mefor commended Ndi Anambra for supporting the Soludo administration through the Private and Public Community Partnership (PPCP), which has helped communities co-fund roads, schools and hospitals. “No government is ever enough… cooperation of the people will help government facilitate development,” he said, urging residents to sustain the partnership.