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Flooding, erosion in Anambra caused by human activities, not rainfall – Official – EnviroNews
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The Anambra State Ministry of Environment says increasing cases of flooding and erosion in the state are largely caused by poor environmental practices and not rainfall itself.
The Head, Department of Environment and Ecology in the ministry, Mrs. Ijeoma Onyekwelu, stated this in Awka, the state capital, while speaking with newsmen on the impact of the rainy season on the environment and agriculture.
Onyekwelu said the rainy season remained essential for agriculture, water supply, groundwater recharge and ecological balance.
She, however, blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainage systems and unregulated construction activities for worsening flooding and erosion across the state.
According to her, drains clogged with silt and waste prevent free flow of water through designated channels, forcing floodwaters into roads, homes and surrounding communities.
“When drains are blocked with silt and refuse, water leaves its designed course and floods everywhere. This is causing erosion, flooding and other environmental menace,” she said.
The environment official disclosed that the ministry had commenced a statewide desilting exercise to clear drainage channels of sand and debris ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
She explained that proper drainage maintenance would ensure free flow of water and reduce flooding risks.
Onyekwelu also expressed concern over the increasing use of cemented surfaces and interlocking stones in residential compounds, noting that such practices prevent rainwater from penetrating the soil.
According to her, this leads to excessive surface runoff that overwhelms drainage systems and contributes to flooding.
She further said that under the Anambra Environmental Management Protection and Administration Law 2024, property owners were required to leave at least 35 per cent of their compounds as bare earth and provide catchment pits for runoff control.
The ministry, she said, had already begun enforcement of the law to mitigate flooding across the state.
“If everywhere is free, water will flow on its own, no matter the volume. But when we compact our compounds, we increase the menace for everyone,” she added.
Onyekwelu urged residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways and comply with environmental regulations as the rainy season intensifies.
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
