The Anambra State government has announced the commencement of statewide clearance of waterways and drainage channels as part of measures to prevent flooding and environmental degradation ahead of the rainy season.

In a public notice signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, the exercise titled “Operation Clear Your Waterways 3.0,” is scheduled to begin on April 27.

Mr Obodogha said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that waterways and drainage systems were free from silt, debris and waste materials that could obstruct the free flow of rainwater.

He warned that failure to clear blocked waterways before the onset of heavy rainfall could result in flooding, erosion and environmental degradation, posing risks to lives and property.

The permanent secretary urged residents and stakeholders to participate actively in the exercise within their homes, business premises and communities.

He listed those expected to comply to include religious organisations, landlord associations, market unions, motor park operators and schools.

Mr Obodogha added that the directive applied to streets, estates, churches, mosques, abattoirs, shopping malls, neighbourhoods and other public spaces.

He said that debris removed from drainage channels must be properly disposed of at designated locations and not left on roadsides to avoid secondary pollution.

According to him, defaulters will face appropriate sanctions.

The federal government, in a notice dated April 8, identified several communities in Anambra State as high-risk areas in its latest flood warning covering 10 states across the country.

The alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, predicted heavy rainfall and specifically listed Atani, Iyowa Odekpe and Onitsha in Anambra as communities likely to experience flooding.

It urged state governments and residents to take immediate precautionary measures. 

(NAN)