Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has begun activities towards flood control with massive desilting of drainages across Awka metropolis.
The exercise held in readiness of the rainy season was carried out by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, an agency of the state government.
Speaking to journalists in Awka during the exercise, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr Ossy Onuko, said the Agency was launching a one week intensive desilting of drainages along Ziks Avenue in continuation of its operation clean and green campaign.
According to the ACTDA boss, the agency carried out the cleaning of 7.5km drainages to ensure that different areas across the city were free of debris covering the flood channels.
Mr. Onuko who disclosed that the agency discovered that once it rains the whole place would be flooded, maintained that the Agency was focusing on areas like Amaenyi, Majuo, Ichide, Igwebuike junction, udeke, Pakas, Eke Awka, St. Faith, Dike park and Ogbugbankwa, implored people to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refused into the drainage system.
The MD reiterated the need to sensitise the people of the importance of clean drainage, noting that the agency will continue in its responsibility to rid the city of flood and related issues.
He, however, appealed to the residents to imbibe in self-discipline by not throwing refuse into the drainages which would cause blockage, especially during rainfall.
“We won’t continue to live like this, if we want development as we are clamouring for, we must imbibe the culture that sustains and maintains development,” he said.
Some residents, Chief. Gab Tabugbo and Ezeobi Nwabueze, traders along Ziks Avenue, Awka, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for efforts to address flooding that threatens their buildings. They advised on removing concrete slabs covering water channels to prevent further flooding and allow free-flow of drainage system.
