The Anambra State Government has ordered an immediate cleanup of all drainage channels across the state and imposed a five-hour lockdown as part of intensified efforts to tackle gully erosion and flooding. The directive was announced in a statement on Monday jointly signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, and his Environment counterpart, Clem Aguiyi.
State of Emergency Declared on Environment
According to the statement, the government has declared a state of emergency on the environment, citing the severe impact of flooding and gully erosion that have plagued the South-eastern state. The government condemned indiscriminate waste disposal by residents into drainage channels, building on waterways, erecting illegal structures, and encroaching on drainage systems. It also identified excessive sand mining as a major contributor to environmental degradation.
“To address this issue, the government has ordered the cleaning of all drainage systems across the state and the stopping of uncontrolled sand mining, both of which are major factors making the state more prone to flooding and gully erosion,” the statement read.
Cleanup Exercise Scheduled for July 4, 2026
The government has set Saturday, 4 July 2026, as the commencement date for the statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise. The operation will involve markets, transport unions, youths, community leaders, churches, and all residents. The statement urged full cooperation from the public and warned that violators of the order would face prosecution.
Additionally, the government mandated that new house constructions must include catch pits to properly manage runoff water as prescribed by law. “Once more, those constructing new houses should make mandatory provisions for catch pits to properly manage run-off water as prescribed by law,” the statement added.
Lockdown from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
To facilitate the drainage cleaning, the government announced a restriction of business activities and movement from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the designated day. Exemptions apply only to essential services including security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, the fire service, and others on essential duties.
The Anambra State Government has been battling severe environmental issues, particularly flooding and gully erosion, which have caused significant damage to infrastructure and property. The cleanup and lockdown are part of a broader strategy to mitigate these hazards and protect residents.
