The Anambra State Government has regretted that erosion remains an existential issue in Anambra State, citing the careless actions of communities and regulatory bodies that have disregarded environmental regulations.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, in a statement said the lamentation formed part of the discussion at the 25th State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting at the Lighthouse, Awka.
He cited instances of some residents who direct stormwater from their homes onto the roads, where it accumulates in different ways and contributes to the erosion crisis currently affecting the state.
“ANSEC decided to step up enforcement to force people to build and manage storm waters from their houses and for communities to follow specific guidelines, like building erosion barriers and excavating sand only in locations that have been allowed,” he said.
On recovery of government lands currently underway, following a report about people blatantly intruding on government lands and building on them without permission, Mefor said the council resolved to form a committee to reclaim the government lands in and around the State.
The commissioner further listed the following awarded projects as approved by the council: release of N95,239,056.80 for the provision of water supply to the Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge Fountain and the ornamental garden awarded to Double NC Construction & Logistics Ltd.
“Release of the sum of N172,028,797.10 only for landscaping the car park for the Trauma Centre at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, awarded to Triseconds Resources Ltd.
“Release of the sum of N93,416,220.52 for the installation of a 3-way traffic light, including pedestrian lights, at the Ifite-Amenyi intersection within Awka metropolis, awarded to S.N.U. Ventures
“Release of the sum of N50,449,487.93 for the supply and installation of two 10 kVA inverters with 15 kW lithium batteries at the Anambra State Civil Service Commission Building in Awka, awarded to Kennolly Enterprises.
“Release of the sum of N119,111,045.97 for the supply and installation of transformer substations at 2 locations (Nnewi & Umueze-Anam communities) awarded to Aries and Gold Ventures Ltd and Aljovic Construction Ltd,” he said.