~ AGWARA, Chimdiebere Obidigbo
The Anambra State Government has called on the United Nations UN, International bodies and donors for assistance in tackling erosions and other environmental degradations. Anambra environment is an existential threat with over 1000 active erosion sites affecting over 160 communities in the state
Members of the State Executive Council which consist of The Chief of Staff to Mr. Governor Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo , Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Mr. Commissioner of Environment, Engr. Dr Felix Odimegwu , Mr Commissioner of Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Mrs Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake led the United Nations Assistant-Secretary/ UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall and his team to an-on-the-spot assessment around Anambra to enable UN in extending advocacy for accelerating the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the sub-national level. The team visited Main Market Onitsha, Niger Street Fegge Onitsha, PH Road Fegge Onitsha, Ochanja Market, Okpoko Ogbaru and Oko Ọrụmba North.
The advocacy visit for easy acceleration of development aims at fact-checking approaches, evaluation, and recommendations towards the impactful and transformative works of Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR viz road construction to enhance easy access to Main Market, Ochanja Market and Bridge Head Market in Onitsha with the total transformation of the Ochanja Roundabout which used to be a refuse dump. Most importantly, the Okpoko transformation with adequate pipe water, good roads and a functional general hospital.
Moving further, the Anambra State Government regretted the rate at which the state is losing its meagre landmass to erosion. While addressing the team, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi pointed out that the erosion site at Eziabor Oko Ọrụmba North is one out of the one thousand (1000) active erosion site in Anambra State ,160 out of179 communities in the state have one form of erosion or the other threatening the lives and properties of Ndị Anambra.
He highlighted that the State Government has embarked on some remediation measures like tree planting, proper channelling and termination of the drainage system, compulsory construction of sump and catchment pits by every household in their compound to drain off rainwater, enacting laws on the ban of sand mining, viable policies on sustainable execution on town planning, building designs and constructions, road infrastructure and housing projects bearing in mind their impact on the environment, he expressed that continuous awareness of the importance of environmental protection approaches is always in place because the environment is everyone’s business.
He added that the assistance of the UN, international bodies, and donor agencies is needed because the state and federal governments cannot remedy the situation, while extending huge gratitude to the UN team for their visit
Continuing, Dr Odimegwu equally pointed out that the overwhelming Erosion menace in the state has resulted in lost of farmlands and countless properties. He declared that Anambra is the erosion capital of Africa if not the world and we will continue to forge partnerships to attract foreign significant assistance to help tackle the enormous environmental challenges which the state has been facing for a long time.
On part of Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, the Assistant-Secretary/ UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator thanked the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. C.C. Soludo for the massive transformative works in delivering dividends of democracy in the state.
Moving further, he expressed shock at the level of devastation caused by the erosion in Eziabor Oko Ọrụmba North Anambra State. In his words, ‘Erosions in Anambra State is what I haven’t seen in my life’. He swiftly advised people to vacate the premises to avoid further disaster and assured the UN’s assistance to Anambra State in tackling erosions.
Mr. Casmir Nwafor, the President-General of Oko while giving the vote of thanks said that every positive approach to environmental protection must be strictly adhered to and equally beckoned to the government, UN, international bodies and others to come to their aid. On the other hand, he assured that the necessary cooperation from the community is already in place to complement the efforts of the government in mitigating environmental degradation.
Mr Fred Eno, Political Adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Oluseyi Soremekun National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Dr. Bonos Muhammed, World Health Organization (WHO) Head of Office in Anambra and other top government officers of Anambra State were present.
©️Anambra State Ministry of Environment Media
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