By George George Idowu
In a bid to prevent erosion and mitigate flood-related disasters, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has instituted a ban on sand excavation in five communities within the state.
The affected communities include Oko in Orumba-North Local Government Area (LGA), Nanka, Amaokpala Awgbu, and Ekwulobia in Aguata LGAs.
Governor Soludo announced this decision during the commissioning of a civic center named after the late former vice-president, Alex Ekwueme, on Friday.
The civic center, named “Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko,” is part of the community’s efforts to immortalize the late leader.
Highlighting the necessity of the ban, Soludo emphasized that sand excavation has been identified as a major cause of erosion and flood-related disasters in these areas.
He warned that without drastic action, these communities could face the total disappearance within the next 50 to 60 years.
Governor Soludo expressed his intention to sign an executive order in the coming week to enforce the ban.
Violators of the prohibition will face prosecution, and trucks caught transporting excavated sand within the specified communities will be seized by the state government for a year upon conviction.
To ensure the effective implementation of the order, a task force will be established.
In addition to the ban announcement, Governor Soludo took the opportunity to highlight the various legacies of the late former vice-president in the community, particularly in education, infrastructure development, and health.
He urged the affluent individuals in the area to sustain Ekwueme’s legacies by funding projects that promote development, including road construction, scholarship awards, and healthcare.
To honor the late vice-president, the state government pledged to construct the PAL Brewery road, initiated by Ekwueme, who was the brewery’s founder.
The Coordinator of Ide Memorial Group representing the Oko Community, Chief Handel Okoli, commended Ekwueme for the substantial development he brought to the area, particularly his instrumental role in establishing the present Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Alex Ekwueme passed away on November 19, 2017, at the age of 85 and received a burial conducted by the federal government.