By Chisom Okpala
His Royal Majesty (HRM), Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), has urged government, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to tackle erosion in the state.
Iweka said erosion continued to threaten lives, damage infrastructure and hinder socio economic development, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to address the problem.
The monarch made the call on Oct. 24, while speaking with journalists after the Obiora Obosi Festival in Obosi. He commended the Federal and Anambra State Governments for their interventions in erosion control and urged residents to complement the efforts.
He advised residents to ensure proper waste disposal, regularly clear drainage channels and waterways, avoid dumping refuse in drains and provide appropriate facilities for domestic wastewater disposal.
Iweka also advocated tree planting as part of efforts to control erosion, noting that blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate waste disposal could worsen flooding and erosion.
He called on local government authorities, the Physical Planning Board and other relevant agencies to enforce environmental and building regulations, particularly those restricting construction on natural waterways and drainage channels.
According to him, obstructing natural watercourses and drainage systems has contributed to building collapses in parts of the state.
The monarch urged residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support government initiatives to protect lives, property and infrastructure from erosion.
Chisom Okpala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#ErosionControl
#EnviromentalProtection
#IgweObosi
