…Urges Idemili North Residents to Tackle Flooding, Erosion
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has called for an end to environmental recklessness in Idemili North Local Government Area, urging residents and stakeholders to take greater responsibility for protecting their communities from flooding, erosion and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Dr. Aguiyi made the call at an environmental stakeholders’ summit held at the Idemili North Local Government Headquarters and organised by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka.
The Commissioner attributed the worsening flooding and erosion in parts of Obosi, Nkpor, Ogidi and other communities partly to harmful human activities, including blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal and other forms of environmental abuse.
He warned residents against continuing practices that degrade the environment while expecting government or divine intervention to address the resulting consequences. According to him, responsible environmental practices by residents must complement government efforts to effectively tackle flooding, erosion and other environmental challenges.
Dr. Aguiyi urged the Local Government Chairman, traditional institutions, town unions and community leaders to take ownership of environmental protection by establishing functional environmental committees at the grassroots and supporting effective enforcement of environmental regulations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to the fifth pillar of the Solution Agenda, Environment and Urban Regeneration, noting that the government remains determined to build a cleaner, greener and more resilient Anambra State.
The commissioner also cautioned residents against consuming untreated borehole and well water following recent flooding, warning that some affected water sources might have been contaminated. He advised residents to boil or properly treat their water pending the retesting and analysis of affected water sources.
Dr. Aguiyi further reminded stakeholders that the state government’s newly declared State of Emergency on the environment would commence on Aug. 22. He urged communities to seize the opportunity as a turning point by clearing blocked drainage channels, improving waste management and eliminating practices that contribute to flooding and erosion.
He stressed that environmental protection could not be achieved by government alone, calling for sustained collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, town unions, businesses and residents to safeguard the environment and protect communities from preventable environmental disasters.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the summit brought together the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, traditional rulers, community leaders, market leaders, landlords, transport associations and other stakeholders to deliberate on the environmental challenges confronting the area.
