By Felix Oti Awka
In order to join hands with the government in preventive measures on erosion control, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is about to sign an executive order on sand mining ban in erosion prone areas.
Governor Soludo made the call in Oko, Anambra State when he hosted a town hall meeting on erosion control and management with stakeholders from five communities in the state largely affected by gully erosion which includes Nanka, Awgbu, Oko, Amaokpala, and Ekwulobia.
The Governor also announced that, pending the full adoption of the law, he will sign an executive order prohibiting sand mining near erosion-prone areas.
The town hall meeting tagged; “Delivering the Solution Mandate in Erosion Control” was held at Oko Civic Centre.
The Governor stated that part of the challenge is that individuals have the wrong attitude towards the environment, but expect the government to do everything instead of contributing their quota as well.
His words, “The environment is Anambra’s most serious existential threat. The fifth finger of my administration’s manifesto is based on the environment; towards green, clean, planned markets, communities, and cities to make our environment sustainable,” he said.
“As an individual, what have you done today and tomorrow to combat the erosion threat?” he asked.
“Active gully erosion is occurring in 146 Anambra communities which constitute 81.5 per cent.
“The five communities that have assembled here today are at the epicenter of gully erosion. If we do enough of what we are meant to do, the rate of erosion will be reduced to 80 per cent.
“An action plan on sand mining law, regulation, and enforcement, community sensitization, revenue collection, a statewide awareness campaign, designing roads for proper water channelization, and building catchment pits, among other things, shall be established.
“We already have a draft environmental law that will help to punish offenders,” Governor Soludo said.
“Anambra is heavily impacted by two natural disasters: flooding and gully erosion!” The Governor warned that “controlling flooding alone will consume over N900 billion, which is Anambra’s total budget for many years.”
He further announced that there would be marching funds for the five communities that will provide designated places where the government can begin tree planting to combat erosion.
He revealed that channel openings in Onitsha have already begun, adding that this is the revolution that must begin in other areas.
He emphasized that environmental preservation must become a way of life because it is an existential threat!
“If you want to save society, it will not be an easy task. If you don’t have the courage to make difficult decisions as a Community leader, you should resign,” Governor Soludo insists.
The Governor urged each community to establish a standing committee and an inter-community action team, as well as a robust enforcement arm.
Earlier, while welcoming the Governor, the Transition Committee Chairman for Orumba North, Mr. Ogochukwu Ekwueme called on the Governor to enact a legal framework that will help stop sand mining in the area which is a leading cause of erosion.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, thanked the Governor for working with the villages affected by erosion, including; Nanka, Awgbu, Oko, Amaokpala, Ekwulobia, and its environs.
He pointed out that a new law will be established to encourage large tree planting, which is an excellent measure to curb erosion, and to ensure that new houses built will construct drainages to channel water properly.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi; Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barr. Anthony Ifeanya; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne; Traditional Ruler of Oko ,Igwe Prof Lazy Ekwueme; President-General, Oko Community, Comrade Luke Nweke; Managing Director, Anambra Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change, Prof. Phil Eze among others, attended the meeting.