There are different seasons in the year and each season presents its own challenges.
Rainy season is one of the seasons, which has the danger of flooding, if adequate steps are not taken.
In this special report, staff reporter Njideka Okoye takes a look at some of the causes and dangers of flooding and measures to avert it, as rainy season sets in.
Standing out as a causative factor of flooding is the erection of structures across water channels and blocking of drainages with refuse dumps.
Baring his mind on the development, the Anambra state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Wealth Creation, Mr. Uchenna Okafor said the state government through his Ministry has taken proactive measures to ensure desilting of drainages and water channels in markets, roads, streets, and communities across the state to ensure free flow of flood.
Commissioner Okafor stated that building of shops on drainages and converting of water channels to shops are illegal, reminding perpetrators of such acts that state government’s ban on street trading is still effective and warned that appropriate penalty awaits defaulters.
He urged residents of the state to always desilt their drainages and not to convert water channels to refuse bin to avoid flooding in their areas.
For the Chairman Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa, they have made it a policy during approval to discourage prospective builders from building on water channels.
He further listed the consequences of going contrary to the rules which includes, immediate removal of the structure and other sanctions and advised prospective builders to follow government guidelines.
A trader, Mrs. Joy Enendu, said dumping of refuse inside drainages is wrong and advised people to use recycle bins placed at strategic places to avoid littering of environment and blockage of drainages for the good of everyone.
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