ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY SUGGESTS WAYS TO CURB EROSION

REPORTER: UCHE NEDEKE

The Anambra State House of Assembly has adviced the executive arm of government to insist that developers and factory owners must have catchment pits in their compounds.

In a motion sponsored by the majority leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, the house resolved that the executive arm should direct all enforcement agencies to compel both landlords, factory owners and others to have a catchment pit and create green reserve areas to contain volume of water from their roofs.

Mr. Ofodeme said the construction of cover catchment pits in all houses across the state would go a long way in reducing the menace of flooding in the state.

According to Mr. Ofodeme, the present practice where all compounds were interlocked without considering a green path or pit that would be absorbing water from the roofs had continued to cause serious problem to the roads and flood ways where they empty in.

Speaking in Favour of the motion, the Member representing Orumba South Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor said the velocity of water that comes out of various houses end up causing serious damage to the already constructed roads, especially those from factories which contain dangerous chemicals.

Mr Jude Umennajiego of Onitsha South II, noted that the state is erosion prone and highlights the importance of instituting measures to contain the menace .

He called for strict enforcement of the resolution to save the environment in the interest of the people.

The member representing Anambra East Constituency Mr Obi Nweke, Mr. Golden Iloh of Ihiala Constituency II, Mr. Chidi Ibemeka representing Njikoka Constituency One, Mr. Tony Moubike, Aguata Constituency II, alongside, Mr. Benard Udemezue representing Ayamelum Constituency, all threw weight behind the motion.

The Speaker, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over plenary, commended the sponsor of the important motion, and enjoined the House Committee on environment to take note.

Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the law makers unanimously agreed that the resolution will not only save the environment but also impact positively on the revenue of the state when defaulters begin to pay fines.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU