The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation by launching a statewide enforcement campaign against illegal waste disposal, blocked drainage channels, and structures obstructing natural waterways.
The initiative, announced by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, marks another major step in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to improving environmental sustainability and reducing the devastating impact of flooding across the state.
According to the government, Saturday, July 4, 2026, has been designated as the official commencement of a statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise. The sanitation campaign will mobilise market associations, transport unions, youth organisations, community leaders, religious groups, and residents to clear blocked drainage systems and remove accumulated waste.
Furthermore, the government warned against illegal activities such as constructing buildings on waterways, encroaching on drainage channels and rights of way, and engaging in uncontrolled sand mining. Officials explained that these practices have significantly contributed to flooding and severe gully erosion in many communities.
To ensure the success of the exercise, movement across the state will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, essential service providers, including security personnel, healthcare workers, ambulances, journalists, firefighters, and other authorised officials, will remain exempt.
In addition, developers have been reminded to include mandatory catch pits in new construction projects to improve stormwater management and comply with existing environmental regulations.
The state government urged residents to fully cooperate with the exercise, stressing that anyone who violates the environmental directives or obstructs the operation will face prosecution under the law.
