Anambra Govt Goes Tough Against Violation Of Environmental Laws

^{WRITTEN BY EJIKE ABANA}
State government says it will commence enforcement of law against blockage of water drainage channels across the State.

A team led by the Commissioner for Environment, Architect Mike Okonkwo visited some areas in Onitsha to monitor compliance.

The team of Operation Clear the Drainage from Illegal Projections, Obstructions and Dirt Exercise, is an inter ministerial and interagency operation, championed by the Ministry of Environment.

On arrival, ABS observed that manual and machine desilting of drainage channels were ongoing at Ajasa street which used to be blocked, Ose Okwodu Market, Emejulu as well as the New Market Road, Onitsha in full glare of traders who were busy displaying and selling their wares.

Ochanja Roundabout, Venn Road South, Akor Street by Ajasa, among other places were also visited by the team to monitor compliance level.

According to Commissioner Okonkwo, who emphasized that the exercise will be sustained, talk is ongoing to relocate the people trading at Ajasa Street as a lasting solution.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi who supervised the exercise, cautioned people and citizens of the State against complicating issues for government by not playing their part of having a healthy attitude towards the environment and called for introduction of fines against people who are recalcitrant to the directive.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Environment, Waste Management, Mrs Florence Oraedum and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, on Environment, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, stressed that flooding experienced at anytime is mostly because of people’s unhealthy attitude to the environment and disclosed that plans are underway to provide more receptacles and bins, as well as introduce ways to transform waste to wealth.

Some residents and traders in the affected areas, commended the initiative and requested the State government to relocate them to an alternative place, in case they want to move them.

It could be recalled that the State government, recently commenced the operation remove shanties, blockages and projections which has yielded positive results, though sensitization needs to be intensified to drive home the many benefits of the exercise.