The Commissioner for Environment, Honourable Clem Aguiyi, has called on President-Generals across Anambra North Senatorial District to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property ahead of the flood season.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on flood preparedness held at the Anambra East Local Government Headquarters, Otuocha, Aguiyi urged communities, particularly those located along the River Niger and other flood-prone areas, to embrace early planning and responsible environmental practices to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Noah, Dr. Aguiyi encouraged community leaders to prepare ahead of potential disasters rather than waiting until floods occur.
“Noah did not wait for the flood before building the ark. Every President-General must become the Noah of his community by preparing ahead to save lives and property,” the Commissioner said.
He urged communities to identify vulnerable residents, create awareness on designated evacuation routes and government approved relief camps, keep drains and waterways free of refuse, sustain regular sanitation exercises, discouraging the construction of buildings on natural waterways, drainage channels and flood plains.
Dr. Aguiyi stressed that stronger collaboration between local government mayors and town unions is essential to improving flood preparedness, environmental sanitation, and orderly physical development, assuring participants that environmental laws would be strictly enforced.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ezeaka, urged President-Generals to uphold accountability, discipline, and effective grassroots leadership, reminding them that town unions operate under the statutory oversight of local government mayors.
The Commissioner described the President-Generals as key partners in grassroots governance and the first line of defence against environmental emergencies.
The meeting brought together President-Generals and Chairmen of Local Government Areas in Anambra North to discuss flood preparedness, environmental sanitation, waste management and sustainable community development.
The engagement was attended by the Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Sir Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze; the Chairman of Ogbaru LGA, Sir Kenneth Akwuobi; the Chairman of Anambra West LGA, Hon. Edith Ndive; and the Chairman of Oyi LGA, Dr. Emmanuel Nweke, alongside other stakeholders.
