Ifedi Okwenna In Ogbaru, Promises To Create Integrated Flood Management Agency
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Aspirant for this year’s election, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, has lamented the impact and devastating effect of flood in parts of Anambra State.
Speaking during his recent vist to Ogbaru Local Area, Dr Okwenna stated that virtually all parts of Ogbaru, Anambra West, and parts of Anambra East Local Governments are perennially submerged under flood for most part of the year and that the urban centers of Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi are usually inundated with flood during rainy seasons not minding that Onitsha has a well-designed underground storm water channel network which unfortunately has been blocked by poor urban management and indiscriminate dumbing of waste into drainage channels, and uncontrollable erection of building on the storm water and the central sewage channeling systems in the city.
The former Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Mineral Resources, Science and Technology, said that when elected governor in the November 6, Governorship elections in the State, he will immediately create the Anambra State Integrated Flood Management Agency (ASIFMA) to provide lead for effective planning and implementation of Flood control projects in the flood ravaging local governments of the State.
The Agency according to him will
a.Work with Metrological Department to provide early warning and for sensitization of those within the catchment area on the impending flood.
b. Make relocation plan for communities to be affected and provide relief materials to ameliorate their losses.
c. The Agency will plan for Flood Insurance Cover for Housing rehabilitation and agricultural seedling/equipment replacement.
d. Promote Agricultural diversification that match with their environment and
e. Adjust in partnership with the State Ministry of Education, the school calendar in the areas to take into consideration months when academic activities may not take place in the areas.
Dr Okwenna further stated that he will provide entrepreneurship training and poverty intervention fund for women and youths of the areas to help them find alternative means of livelihood during the months of flooding of their area.
He promised to introduce an organised Ferry service under the Anambra State Ferry Service System (ASFSS) to provide affordable access to many small communities with no road connection. This according to him will help in movement of goods, agro-produce, fishery products, fuel and vehicles from and to these small communities and villages.
The Ugwumba Osumenyi promised to ensure the completion of Onitsha -Atani Ogwu Ikpele road abandoned since the exit of Peter Obi administration and to establish Anambra Trade Free Zone in Ogbaru. Ogbaru according to Ifedi Okwenna shall be one of the Agricultural Belts of the State where he hopes to exploit the riverine terrain of the Local Government to establish Fish Farm Estates for massive production of fish and processing for local consumption and export.
Thanking, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna on his tour of the Local Government, a community leader and retired Director in the Anambra State Civil Service, Oduah John Ogbuedi said that he is never in doubt of Dr. Okwenna’s knowledge of the area and her challenges as well as his strong political will and knack for hardwork. “I was in service when you were a Commissioner and I can testify to your hardwork, strong will and determination to excel. I made bold to say that your incruptability, prudence and demand for excellence is what our State needs”, Chief Ogbuedi conclude.
Commending Ifedi Okwenna also, a retired Permanent Secretary, in the State Civil Service, Ben Uzoka, who equally knew Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, as Commissioner, urged Ndi Anambra not to miss Dr. Okwenna, as their Governor this year.
He urged PDP to ensure that Dr Okwenna carries their flag to the election as that is the easiest way to take PDP back to Agu Awka Government House”. Concluding, he stated that “Anybody who knows Ifedi Okwenna or have any contact with him whatsoever, cannot hesitate to vote him as Governor. His capacity, competence and character is the best I have seen among those aspiring to lead the State this time”.
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TeamIfedi Media.
