Anambra Issues Stop-Work Order Over Drainage Blockage

The Anambra State Government has issued a stop-work order on a building under construction at No. 7 Nnewi Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha South Local Government Area, over allegations that the project obstructed natural drainage channels and contributed to flooding in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, announced the directive after an inspection of the site and other flood-affected locations in Onitsha. 

He said the Ministry of Environment would work with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to investigate the development and verify whether the project obtained the required environmental compliance approval before construction commenced.

Dr. Aguiyi explained that the decision followed complaints by residents who alleged that the building blocked flood channels, resulting in severe flooding during recent rainfall. According to him, affected residents reported that floodwaters inundated warehouses, destroyed goods and caused significant economic losses due to the obstruction of drainage pathways.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to enforcing environmental regulations, warning that the government would not tolerate the construction of buildings on waterways or the dumping of refuse into drainage systems. 

He urged residents to promptly report any activity capable of obstructing flood channels in order to prevent avoidable disasters.

Also speaking, the member representing Onitsha South II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Umennajiego, said he invited the commissioner to inspect Nnewi Street and Bida Road to assess the extent of damage caused by flooding, which he attributed to the actions of individuals who obstructed drainage channels.

A resident of the area, Mr. Michael Aji, appealed for government intervention, saying his home was flooded during last month's heavy rainfall after a nearby drainage channel was allegedly blocked by a fence. He called for urgent action to restore the drainage system and prevent future flooding.

Tags: #Anambra #FloodControl #Environment