Flooding: ACTDA boss warns Awka residents against disposing wastes in drainages
By Praise Chinecherem
Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA) has warned residents of Awka, Anambra State against indiscriminate waste disposal, including throwing refuses into drainages.
Managing Director, Mr. Ossy Onuko gave the assurance at the launching of a one week intensive desilting of drainages along Ziks Avenue in continuation of its operation clean and green campaign.
He reiterated the commitment of his Agency to a clean and green Anambra State, including ridding the capital of flood and other related issues.
He hinted that the agency carried out the cleaning of 7.5km of drainages to ensure different areas across the city were free of debris covering the flood channels.
“We discovered that once it rains, the whole place will be flooded. So the Agency is focusing on areas like Amaenyi, Majuo, Ichide, Igwebuike junction, Udeke, Parkers , Eke Awka, St. Faith, Dike park and Ogbugbankwa,” he said.
Underscoring the need to sensitize the people of the importance of clean drainage, ACTDA boss implored residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the drainage system.
“We call on residents to imbibe self-discipline by not throwing refuse into the drainages which will cause blockage, especially during rainfall.
“We won’t continue to live like this, if we want development as we are clamouring for, we must imbibe the culture that sustains and maintain development,” he said.
In their separate speeches, Chief. Gab Tabugbo and Ezeobi Nwabueze, traders along Zik’s avenue, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo through ACTDA for addressing flooding that threatens their building.
They advised removing concrete slabs covering water channels to prevent further flooding and allow free-flow of drainage system.
One of the notable residents of Awka, Mr. Aiza Nwosu aligned with government’s decision to sensitize the people of the implications of indiscriminate dumping of refuses and advocated for penalties for environmental defaulters.
The exercise involved desilting of drainages with heavy duty trucks to accommodate stormwater.