By MaryAnn Chukwuma
Residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, have begun extensive environmental cleanup ahead of the statewide sanitation exercise ordered by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, signalling widespread support for the government’s environmental emergency initiative.
The early mobilisation follows Gov. Soludo’s declaration of a state of emergency on the environment and the scheduled statewide sanitation exercise on July 4, which will include a temporary restriction of movement to enable a comprehensive cleanup across the state.
The exercise is aimed at desilting drainage channels, clearing gutters, removing refuse, and opening blocked waterways to ensure the free flow of rainwater as the state prepares for the peak of the rainy season.
During a visit to several communities in Awka on July 3, residents were seen sweeping their surroundings, evacuating waste, and clearing blocked drains in preparation for the government-directed sanitation exercise.
The early response reflects growing public awareness of the importance of environmental cleanliness in preventing flooding, protecting lives and property, and promoting healthier communities across the state.
Gov. Soludo’s administration has continued to prioritise environmental sustainability as a key pillar of its development agenda, encouraging residents to take shared responsibility for maintaining clean, safe, and flood-resilient communities.
The statewide sanitation exercise is expected to bring together communities, government agencies, market associations, and other stakeholders in a coordinated effort to restore environmental order and minimise the impact of flooding during the rainy season.
Many residents expressed their readiness to comply fully with the directive, describing the initiative as timely and necessary for safeguarding public health, protecting infrastructure, and preserving the environment for future generations.
The level of participation recorded ahead of the official exercise highlights growing public support for the state’s environmental policies and reinforces the collective commitment to building a cleaner, greener, safer, and more resilient Anambra State.
MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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