By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
Nze Henry C. Dim, immediate past President-General of Akpo Development Association (ADA), has called for collective action by residents to reduce the impact of flooding in Anambra.
Dim made the call during an interaction with Information Officers at Akpo, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, on Sept. 29.
He urged residents to adopt precautionary measures, including keeping drainage channels free of debris and providing adequate water catchment facilities within their premises.
Dim commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, including the construction of flyovers.
He, however, said flooding remained a challenge that could undermine the benefits of such infrastructure if residents failed to complement government efforts with responsible environmental practices.
“It is unfortunate to note that flood went as far as claiming the life of Master Success Ezenwafor, a six year old pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka.
“Success was on his way to school on Sept. 22, when the tragic incident occurred along the Awka Nibo Nise Enugu-Ukwu Ring Road in Awka South LGA,” he said.
The community leader urged residents to take responsibility for preventing the blockage of drainage channels and other activities that could worsen flooding.
He advised residents to construct catchment pits where necessary and desist from dumping refuse and other materials in gutters and water channels.
“No one should wait to be told to clean gutters that pass through his or her business premises, not to talk of those around their homes.
“These precautionary measures ought to be voluntary. It is not only for Soludo but for all of us, Ndi Anambra.
“After all, Success Ezenwafor is not his son, but an innocent son of Onye Anambra,” Dim said.
Dim commiserated with the Anambra Government, Ekwulobia community and the immediate family of the deceased, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
David Okpala and Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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