By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has reiterated its resolve to knock down structures built without State Government approval, with particular reference to those obstructing waterways, which it noted are at the owners’ risk, as they violate the Land Use Act.

The Council, according to a statement signed by the e Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, urged communities to prevent unauthorised sand excavations, which contribute to gully erosion and pose environmental hazards.

The key deliberations at the first meeting for the year 2025 focused on the impact of human activities on erosion, as well as the approval of contracts to enhance critical infrastructure across the state.

The meeting chaired by the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, encouraged Council members to take proactive steps in safeguarding the state against ecological degradation.

According to the statement, “On the issue of approval of Contracts for Key Infrastructure Projects, ANSEC approved the construction of a Protocol Lounge at the state owned Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, which hitherto lacked such facility.

“Contract to the tune of N144 million was also awarded to contractor, Gill Associates Ltd for the Rehabilitation of Internal Roads at COOUTH, Amaku, Awka with a Completion timeline of: 7 weeks, while N380,600,669.48 was approved for full asphaltic overlay.

“Other contracts awarded include, N140m to Damtech Nig. Ltd for the Completion of Specialist Hospital, Fegge, Onitsha South LGA with Completion timeline: of 3 months, Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd. Cost: N84,255,318.00.”

The approved projects, according to ANSEC, “are strategic projects aimed at reinforcing the state government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and infrastructure development.”