Flooding: Assembly calls on State Government to enforce construction of covered catchment pits
By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/ Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Charles Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Environment and other relevant agencies to enforce the construction of covered catchment pits by all landlords, developers and industries to control the effect of flooding in the state.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme representing Ekwusigo constituency and seconded by Mr. Golden Iloh representing Ihiala II constituency during plenary on September 28.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary session had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
Speaking on the motion, Mr. Ofodeme was optimistic that the construction of covered catchment pits by all landlords in the state would help to checkmate the effect of flooding on the environment and public infrastructures in the State.
Ofodeme who is also the Majority Leader expressed concern that the channeling of water by landlords from their respective compounds to the adjoining roads contributed to the destruction of road infrastructure in the state.
"Whereas section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, stipulates that the protection and improvement of the environment is a fundamental objective of the State.
"Aware that the effect of flooding occasioned by heavy rainfall has a devastating effect on our environment which includes the destruction of roads, houses, farmlands.
"Further aware that due to the lose soil texture in Anambra State, the environment is prone to erosion menace and environmental degradation, a negative effect to farm production," he stressed.
Ofodeme noted that most communities in the state were already implementing the construction of catchment pits in their areas to checkmate flooding.
The lawmakers that spoke in favour of the motion include Emmanuel Nwafor representing Orumba South constituency, Jude Umennajiego Onitsha South II, Obi Nweke Anambra East, Tony Muobike Aguata II, Chidebele Ibemeka Njikoka 1, Bernard Udemezue Ayamelum and Frederick Ezenwa Onitsha South 1 constituency.
They described the motion as very apt, adding that with the construction of catchment pits in all areas of the state, people will live well without flood.
The legislators expressed dismay that the state is loosing roads, farmlands, human beings, economic trees and houses due to the menace of flooding in the state.
They added that the construction of catchment pits in Anambra would minimize erosion menace and prevent environmental hazards troubling the state. (Ministry of Information)
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