NewsProbe News from Nigeria and Around the world
… ranks least in landmass
Raymond Ozoji, Awka
The Anambra State Government says plans are underway to spend about N10 billion on erosion control in some erosion-infested areas across the state.
The commissioner for environment and chairman Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) steering committee in the state Arch. Michael Okonkwo disclosed this to newsmen in Awka on Thursday while reeling out the ministry’s modus operandi under his watch.
He said Nnewi, Nkpor-flyover in Onitsha axis and some other erosion sites have been listed for intervention under the N10 billion erosion control project through NEWMAP.
Okonkwo further disclosed that currently Anambra state ranked least in landmass due to erosion devastation across the state leading to greater percentage of its landmass being washed away by erosion and flooding adding that in spite of the dire situation, the present administration was committed to reducing erosion menace in Anambra state.
The commissioner noted that the ministry of environment was saddled with the responsibility of protecting the environment from deforestation, degradation as well as conduct environmental impact assessment to ascertain the extent of harm done to the environment through human error.
He also said that the ministry was currently desilting drainages, dislodging water channels to avoid blockages noting that the ministry pursues a policy targetting a clean and healthy Anambra staate.
According to the commissioner the ministry was also enforcing sustainable laws against indiscriminate dumping of refuse as well as illegal and unauthorised mining in the state while encouraging Ndi-Anambra to practise aforestation to save the environment from further harm.
