The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by declaring a state of emergency on environmental degradation caused by human activities across the state.
The government said the declaration became necessary due to the widespread blockage of waterways through indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other materials into drainage channels, construction on waterways, erection of illegal structures, encroachment on drainages and rights of way, as well as excessive sand mining.
In a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Clem Aguiyi, and the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, the government directed the immediate cleaning of drainage systems across the state and announced a clampdown on uncontrolled sand mining, identified as major contributors to flooding and gully erosion.
According to the statement, Saturday, July 4, 2026, has been designated as the commencement date for a statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise.
The exercise will involve markets, transport unions, youth groups, community leaders, churches, and all residents of the state.
To ensure a successful exercise, movement will be restricted across communities and businesses from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the scheduled date. However, essential service providers, including security agencies, health workers, ambulance services, journalists, the fire service, and other personnel on critical duties, will be exempted from the restriction.
The government also reminded developers and property owners constructing new buildings to make mandatory provisions for catch pits to properly manage runoff water, in line with existing environmental regulations.
Residents of the state were urged to cooperate fully with the exercise, warning that anyone who fails to comply with the directive will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
