Erosion: Anambra to institute Code of Conduct on Environment for citizens

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State government has said that it would institute a code of conduct on environment for its citizens as part of measures to control erosion menace that is adversely affecting many communities across the state.

At the weekly Executive Council meeting held in Awka, the state government reviewed the devastating impact of erosion in Anambra State and resolved to strengthen immediate remedial actions.

Accordingly, the Council resolved to enforce the environmental law of the state which provides that all individual actions contributing to erosion and environmental degradation, are to be stopped forthwith.

Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor said the state government has directed that there should be mandatory construction of catchment pits in all buildings, including residential, commercial and religious houses across the state, as expressly provided for in the environmental law, warning that appropriate sanctions will apply for non-compliance.

"With immediate effect, all houses channeling runoff water onto roads shall be sealed until catchment pits are constructed within their premises to ensure that storm and runoff water no longer enter public roads and drainages", Mefor said.

He added that government has also directed every community to constitute environmental teams to identify and report erosion sites to government and coordinate community remedial action.

"Henceforth, government intervention will be contingent on full compliance with environmental health standards. Communities that neglect environmental restoration will not receive priority intervention from government.

"Communities that demonstrate commitment to environmental health will be prioritized by the state government", he stated.

He assured that the Soludo administration remained committed to 'Solution 2.0' agenda, which places emphasis on building a smart megacity that is livable, prosperous, and sustainable.