REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State government has intensified efforts to tackle the perennial flooding crisis in parts of the state with an on-the-spot assessment of heavily affected communities.
A government delegation led by the Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, visited flood-ravaged areas in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and Trans Nkisi, Onitsha North Local Government Area.
The team inspected key impacted sites including Ogidi Road and the Building Materials Market, which were severely devastated by recent heavy rains.
The team identified human-induced factors as the primary causes of the persistent flooding, particularly the construction of buildings on natural waterways and the blockage of drainage channels with debris and illegal structures.
Speaking with journalists after the assessment, Mr Ezeobi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a permanent solution.
He disclosed that the Governor Soludo led administration will prioritise the reclamation of waterways and the removal of illegal structures obstructing water flow.
The Commissioner emphasised that a multi-agency approach will be adopted to enforce environmental regulations strictly, while findings from the inspection will guide immediate remedial works and long-term infrastructure improvements to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Other members of the team including the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Oseloka Ojukwu, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Clems Aguiyi and the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr Stanley Nkwoka, therefore appealed to residents to cooperate by observing town planning laws and refraining from dumping waste in drainage systems, stressing that collective responsibility is vital to ending the recurring flood disasters.
