By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Government has urged communities facing erosion and flooding to take proactive measures to address environmental problems in their areas before seeking government intervention.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, gave the directive on Wednesday at the Idemili North Local Government Stakeholders Summit on Environment, where issues including erosion, flooding, waste management and security were discussed.
Mefor said communities must demonstrate commitment by clearing blocked drainages, desilting gutters, keeping their surroundings clean and carrying out minor remedial works to prevent environmental problems from worsening.
He disclosed that the Anambra State Executive Council had approved a new Citizen Code of Conduct on Environment, aimed at strengthening efforts to combat environmental degradation across the state.
According to the commissioner, the new policy will focus on three key areas: strict enforcement of environmental laws, mandatory provision of catchment pits for buildings, and community action as a prerequisite for government intervention.
Mefor said Governor Chukwuma Soludo had directed the full enforcement of existing environmental laws, warning that activities capable of contributing to flooding and erosion would no longer be tolerated.
He also announced that the Ministry of Environment would soon commence physical inspections of buildings across the state to determine compliance with environmental regulations.
The commissioner explained that violators could initially be given time to correct identified infractions, but stressed that the government would take action against practices that contribute to environmental degradation.
He further directed communities to establish environmental teams responsible for identifying erosion-prone areas, reporting them to the appropriate authorities and coordinating local remedial measures.
Mefor stated that government intervention would henceforth be linked to compliance with environmental and health standards.
He said communities that neglect environmental restoration would not receive priority in government intervention, while those that demonstrate commitment to addressing their environmental challenges would receive greater attention.
The commissioner urged residents to stop waiting entirely for government intervention and instead take responsibility for problems within their immediate surroundings.
He specifically advised communities to clear drainage channels, desilt gutters and undertake other small-scale measures capable of reducing the impact of erosion and flooding.
Mefor also disclosed that Governor Soludo had directed the production of up to 20 documentaries on environmental degradation and erosion in Anambra as part of activities marking the state’s 31st anniversary.
According to him, the documentaries will highlight the scale of environmental challenges confronting the state and showcase the situation to audiences within Nigeria and internationally.
The summit was chaired by the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, and attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Clems Aguiyi, presidents-general of communities, youth and market leaders, as well as other stakeholders.
The government said the renewed approach was intended to encourage greater community participation in environmental management while strengthening the state’s response to erosion, flooding and other environmental challenges.
