By: Ukpa Ewa
As rainy season gradually assumes its place, activities towards flood control by the Anambra State Government was in high tempo as the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA) begins massive desilting of drainages across Awka metropolis.
Speaking to journalists in Awka during the exercise, The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, 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 Ogbankwa, implored people to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refused into the drainage system.
The Managing Director who reiterated the need to sensitize the people of the importance of clean drainage, noted that the agency will continue in its responsibility to rid-off 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 maintain development ” He said.
In their separate speeches, Chief. Gab Tabugbo and Ezeobi Nwabueze , traders along Ziks avenue, Awka express gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo through ACTDA for addressing flooding that threatens their building. They advised removing concrete slabs covering water channels to prevent further flooding and allow free-flow of drainage system.
One of the notable resident of Awka, Mr. Aiza Nwosu aligned with the government decision to sensitize the people of the implications of indiscriminate dumping of refused and advocates for penalties for environmental defaulters.
The exercise involved desilting of drainages with heavy duty trucks to accommodate stormwater.
