The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure has raised concerns over the indiscriminate disposal of domestic waste into drainage channels, describing the practice as a major threat to ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the state.
The committee made the observation during an oversight visit to inspect the 1.8-kilometre interlocking road and drainage project at Iyiowa Odekpe.
Speaking during the inspection, the contractor handling the project, Engineer Jack Afara, lamented that some residents channel wastewater from their buildings into public drainage systems, warning that the practice could damage the drains and reduce the lifespan of the road infrastructure.
According to him, the drainage channels have already started silting up only a few months after construction began. He explained that although the wastewater may not immediately affect the interlocking pavement, continuous dumping of domestic waste into the drains would obstruct the free flow of water and create long-term environmental and structural problems.
Engineer Afara recommended that every building should have a functional soakaway system and urged community leaders and residents to organize regular sanitation exercises to keep drainage channels free of debris.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Emma Nwafor, said the committee was on an investigative oversight visit to assess the quality and progress of projects being executed by contractors across the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the standard and pace of work at the Iyiowa Odekpe project, noting that the drainage system, interlocking pavement, and other structural components were being properly executed.
The committee also inspected the school road project at Iyiowa Odekpe, where contractors raised similar concerns over the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
at the Igbariam axis, the lawmakers inspected ongoing road maintenance and rehabilitation works, acknowledging the challenges associated with repairing already deteriorated roads while commending the contractors for their efforts despite noticeable structural defects on some sections of the road.
