By Abdullahi Lukman
The Anambra State Government has announced a statewide exercise to clear waterways and drainage systems ahead of the rainy season to reduce flooding risks and environmental damage.
In a public notice issued Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, said the initiative, tagged “Operation Clear Your Waterways 3.0,” will commence on April 27.
The exercise is aimed at removing silt, debris and waste materials that could block the free flow of rainwater.
Obodogha warned that failure to clear drainage channels could lead to flooding, erosion and threats to lives and property, urging residents and stakeholders to take part in the cleanup across homes, businesses and communities.
He said the directive applies to a wide range of groups and locations, including religious organisations, landlord associations, market unions, motor parks, schools, streets, estates, worship centres, abattoirs and shopping areas. He also stressed that waste removed from drainage systems must be disposed of at designated sites to prevent further pollution, adding that violators would face sanctions.
The move follows a recent flood alert by the Federal Ministry of Environment, which identified several communities in the state as high-risk areas.
According to the warning issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre, towns such as Atani, Iyowa Odekpe and Onitsha are likely to experience heavy rainfall and flooding, prompting calls for immediate preventive action by authorities and residents.
