Anambra Govt Stops Construction Over Blocked Drainage in Onitsha

The Anambra State Government has issued a stop work order on a building under construction at No. 7 Nnewi Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha South Local Government Area, for obstructing drainage channels and contributing to flooding in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, issued the directive after inspecting the site and other flood affected locations. He said the Ministry of Environment would work with the Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to investigate the development and verify its environmental compliance approval.

According to the commissioner, the building blocked flood channels along the street, resulting in severe flooding during rainfall. He said residents reported that recent flooding inundated warehouses, destroyed goods, and caused heavy financial losses.

Dr. Aguiyi reaffirmed the determination of the administration of Chukwuma Soludo to prevent the construction of buildings on waterways and the dumping of refuse into drainage channels through strict enforcement. He urged residents to report any activities that obstruct natural flood channels to help prevent environmental disasters.

The member representing Onitsha South Two Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Umennajiego, said the inspection was necessary to expose the extent of flood damage on Nnewi Street and Bida Road caused by blocked drainage channels.

A resident, Michael Aji, said floodwater entered his home during last month’s rainfall after a nearby drainage channel was blocked by a fence. He appealed to the state government to intervene and prevent further destruction.