By Uzo Ugwunze
The Idemili North Local Government Area Administration has adopted a 16-point resolution aimed at addressing flooding, erosion, indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels across the area. The resolutions were adopted on Aug. 19, during an Environmental Summit held at the Council Hall, Ogidi, where government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders deliberated on growing environmental challenges affecting the local government area.
The communiqué, which seeks to protect lives, property, public infrastructure and the environment, was endorsed by the convener and Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; Commissioner for Environment, Chief Clem Aguiyi; and other stakeholders. Among the resolutions was a proposal for a modest upward review of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) environmental PayDirect levy to strengthen waste collection and disposal.
The summit also recommended the provision and use of waste bins, bags and buckets in homes, markets, businesses and among transport operators, while warning against indiscriminate dumping of refuse. On flood control, the stakeholders resolved that drainage channels across the LGA should undergo regular desilting and rehabilitation, with priority given to flood-prone areas. Property owners and developers were also urged to provide appropriate catchment pits and stormwater management systems.
The summit further resolved to revive monthly environmental sanitation exercises involving communities, markets, schools and government agencies, alongside stronger enforcement of environmental laws and penalties for offenders. To protect waterways, the stakeholders called for the clearing and preservation of natural waterways, wetlands and drainage corridors, particularly from encroachment and other forms of obstruction.
The LGA administration was also tasked with developing a coordinated flood and erosion control action plan targeting identified hotspots and establishing an Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Committee to monitor compliance. The summit emphasised the importance of public participation, calling for sustained environmental awareness campaigns and greater involvement of traditional rulers, town unions, youth and women groups, religious organisations and market associations.
It further placed responsibility on property owners and developers to ensure that their projects do not obstruct natural water flow, while encouraging stronger collaboration between the LGA, ASWAMA, relevant state agencies and communities. The summit directed the immediate clearing of blocked drainages and waterways, mapping of flood-prone areas, removal of illegal dumpsites, intensified public sensitisation and the reintroduction of monthly environmental sanitation.
The stakeholders declared that environmental protection was a shared responsibility and urged residents and organisations across Idemili North to support the implementation of the resolutions. The LGA administration is expected to periodically review progress on the resolutions in accordance with applicable environmental laws in Anambra State, with a view to making Idemili North safer, cleaner and more sustainable.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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