By MaryAnn Chukwuma
The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Environment has mobilized all the 21 local government areas for a state-wide enforcement of “Operation Clear Your Waterways and Drainage Channels” as part of proactive measures to avert flooding during the rainy season.
The mobilisation followed a strategy meeting held on Tuesday, April 21, between the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, and Directors of Environmental Health Officers from across the 21 LGAs at the Jerome Udorji State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Mr. Obodogha said the operation is targeted at removing silt, debris, and waste materials that obstruct the free flow of rainwater in drainages and waterway blockages which he identified as major triggers of flooding, erosion, and environmental degradation that often lead to loss of lives and property.
The Directors of Environmental Health were directed to immediately commence sensitization and enforcement in their respective councils. “The mandate covers clearing of all primary and secondary drainage channels, monitoring of flood-prone areas, and mobilizing communities to desilt gutters in front of homes, markets, and business premises”. The Permanent Secretary noted.
The meeting also outlined the Anambra State Environmental Management Protection Law 2024 which empowers the state to sanction defaulters who dump refuse in drainages or obstruct waterways.
Residents were urged to take ownership of drainages around them and desist from the habit of channeling waste into gutters, especially during rainfall. The ministry warned that violators of the 2024 environmental law will face prosecution and fines.
Mr. Obodogha stressed that early action remains the state’s best defence against the devastating floods that have affected parts of Anambra in previous times.
Concluding, Mr. Obodogha affirmed that the operation is to run throughout the second quarter of 2026, with intensified activities before the peak of the rainy season which he said would help to preserve the environment.
MaryAnn is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
