Anambra Assembly Calls For Strict Compliance With Law On Disposal Of Sewage, Other Waste From Buildings

Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Environment and MD Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) to as a matter of urgency enforce strict compliance With the provisions of the laws of the state as it affects the disposal of sewage from building and other waste across the state to protect the health and well-being of our State, preserve our natural resources, promote sustainable economic development and to avoid blockage of drainage channels especially in Onitsha and other densely populated areas.

Chief sponsor of the motion Hon. Emma Nwafor in his submission stated that the improper disposal of sewage and other waste from buildings has become a significant concern for the health and well-being of our state especially in the densely populated areas like Onitsha. 

Hon. Nwafor who is the member representing Orumber South constituency maintained that the state’s environmental laws clearly outline the requirements for the proper disposal of sewage anid other waste from buildings, these laws werd cnacted to protect the public’s health and safety, as well as to maintain the integrity of our natural resources. 

In his words ” Despite these regulations, many individuals and businesses continues to disregard these laws, thus, exposing ndi Anambra to some health, environmental risks and erosion menace arising due to blockage of the drainage channel. 

“Sewage disposal from building and other domestic wastes if not monitored for strict compliance may lead to epidemic In the future, have a negative economic impact, deter businesses and investments, thereby leading to loss of revenue, job opportunities and possibly massive loss lives for our state.

“What we (lawmakers) saw during our oversight finction was terrible. Onitsha environment stinks. People are getting aproval to build without meeting up the requirements. Some buildings dont have safty tanks which is why pidemic and diseases are easily spreed because of negligence”. Hon. Nwafor stated.

Speaking in support of the motion, Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North 2), Hon. Augustine Ike (Nnewi North) Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two), Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru One), Hon. Anthony Muobike (Aguata two) Hon. Fredrick Ezenwa (Onitsha South one) and Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha Onitsha South two) in their seperate submissions frown against the lack of compliance.

” This motionis very key because it has to do with our health. The institutions that are supposed to over-see this issue of drinages needs to sit up.

” Onitsha is an eye-saw, full of drainage. Even the road sweepers are packing the refuse into drinages and whenever it rains, everywhere becomes flooded.

“If nothing is been done, all the efforts Governor Chukwuma Soludo in trying to rejuvenate Onitsha will be in vain. 

“This issue has to be tackled very urgently to avoid the health hazards of this illicit act. 

“This sewage still finds their way back to the soil which is likely to affect the bore-hole water that we drink” the lawmakers submitted.

Anambra assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze while commending the chief sponsor of the motion, stated that the issue of drainage channel and approving building plans has a law that should be strictly adhered too. 

“Sanitary officers at the local government level should also wake up to their responsibility by finding out the sanitary nature of every compound within the state”.

The house was adjourned to Tuesday December 5th 2023.