Anambra Government Issues “Stop Work” Order On Building Blocking Drainage Channels In Onitsha
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has issued a “stop work” order on a building under construction at No. 7 Nnewi Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, in Onitsha South Local Government Area for causing flooding in the neighbourhood.
Speaking to the ABS after visiting the site and other buildings where flooding has caused extensive damage, Dr. Aguiyi explained that his ministry would follow up on the matter with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and also verify the developers’ environmental compliance approval for the construction.
The Commissioner disclosed that he issued the stop work order on the project because it blocked drainage channels along the street, thereby causing devastation whenever it rains, adding that he gathered from residents in the neighbourhood that last month’s rainfall flooded their warehouses, destroyed their goods, and caused significant losses as a result of the blockage of flood channels by the building.
Dr. Aguiyi pointed out that the Soludo-led administration is determined to stop people from erecting structures on waterways and dumping refuse into drainage channels through decisive enforcement actions, and urged Anambra residents to always report anyone who blocks flood channels with structures or refuse to prevent catastrophe.
On his part, the member representing Onitsha South Two Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Umennajiego, said that he brought Dr. Aguiyi to Nnewi Street and Bida Road to witness the level of damage flooding has caused in the areas as a result of the unconscionable actions of some individuals, while a landlord in the neighbourhood, Mr. Michael Aji, lamented that last month’s rainfall flooded his house and caused extensive damage because an individual blocked the flood channel beside his house with a fence, calling on the state government to come to his aid.
