By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM, Awka
Three commissioners have appeared before the Anambra State House of Assembly and discussed government’s readiness to manage and avert the devastating effects of flood in the state.
They were the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi. Also present were the Permanent Secretaries of Ministry of Works and that of Environment, Engr Dr Martin Agbili and Mr Tochukwu Obodogha respectively.
Rising under matters of urgent public importance sponsored by the Minority Leader and Member representing Nnewi South 2 Constituency, Hon Johnbosco Akaegbobi, the trio appeared before the House of Assembly under closed doors last week Thursday.
They had 10-point recommendations which was presented and read by the Majority Leader, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme during plenary on Tuesday in Awka. Their recommendations were as follows:
“The establishment of an Environmental Monitoring Officers within the Ministry in conjunction with the various Local Governments to ensure strict environmental compliance.
“Provisions of equipments for the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development and or possible hiring of such equipments from other relevant MDA(s) and other Government establishments like the Agunechemba Security outfit.
“Urgent need for Ministries to work together especially (Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment as it concerns Environmental Impact Assessment of roads before construction).
“That the Ministry of Environment actively supervises the activities of Mayors of Local Government with a view to ensure proactive measures in areas of waste disposal and evacuation.
“Hon. Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development to take proactive measures in ensuring adequate sanctions for corrupt planning officers at the State and the Local Government level.
“Hon.Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to ensure contractors adhere strictly to road specification especially with respect to drainage channeling.
“The Ministry of Environment to monitor strictly the activities of miners in Anambra with a view to minimizing the adverse effect of Environment degradation in Anambra State.
“That the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation should sensitise Ndi Anambra on lifestyle change as it relate to environmental issues and for communities to take ownership of its affairs with emphasis on proactive measures and as well, design approach subsequently.
“Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development to encourage the inclusion of catchment pits in building approvals within Anambra state.
“That the President-Generals of Communities to report physical blockages of drainage system to the State Ministry of Environment through the appropriate channel to be created at the local government level by the Ministry of Environment.”
