By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to cause for an action to redirect the flood entering Okpoko from Upper Iweka and Awada-Obosi to River Niger and Idemili River in Okpoko and Ogbaru.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Mr Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 constituency during plenary on October 20.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Mr Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 constituency during plenary on October 20.
The speaker of the House, Mr Uchenna Okafor who presided the plenary session had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice vote.
In his submission, Mr Igwe said the magnitude of flood surging into Okpoko from Upper Iweka and Awada-Obosi has caused alot of damage to properties and even loss of lives
Okpoko has become a dumping ground for garbage thereby constituting environmental hazard and spread of diseases.
This has continued to hamper social development and hindering vehicular movement in Okpoko and its environs, especially during rainy seasons
I am convinced that this menace could be stopped through proper redesigning of the affected drainage channels.
“Government is talking about liveable and prosperous Anambra and Urban renewal of Okpoko but you cannot renew Okpoko without solving the remote cause of the problem.”
Supporting the motion, the deputy speaker, Mr Pascal Agbodike representing Ihiala 2 constituency said it is the duty of a legislator to present the plight of his people at the floor of the House for consideration.
He however noted that emptying the drainages in Okpoko will go along way in reducing the flood there.
Also speaking, the member representing Onitsha North 1, Mr Douglas Egbuna explained that the already existing water channels are not enough to contain the flood, therefore the need for proper redesigning and redirection.
Contributing, Mr Chuka Ezenwunne representing Idemili South asserted”in terms of planning especially urban planning, we don’t foresee that the Urban cities will continue to grow.
As it grows, the surrounding communities will be absorbed into the Urban city. The original design of Sacamore in Onitsha was done in early 70's, the size of Onitsha and it’s environs has completely out grown whatever plan we have for the sacamore. Therefore, they can redirect by having another channel.
Mr Uzoma Eli, the member representing Onitsha North 1 noted that the Sacamore is filled up thereby blocking the water/flood from flowing into the River Niger and needs to be distilled.
Other legislator’s who spoke in favour of the motion include; Mr Onyebuchi Offor(Ekwusigo constituency), Mr Ejike Ikechukwu(Anaocha 2), Mr Emeka Aforka(Orumba North), Mr Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South) among others.
