By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government has announced plans to seal houses channeling runoff water on the roads across the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Tuesday.

According to him, the move is part of decision taken during the 9th State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting in line with the state’s new citizen code of conduct on environment.

He said such structures would remain sealed until catchment pits are constructed within the premises to ensure storm and runoff water no longer enter public roads and drainages.

The Commissioner said: “The Council warned that communities that neglect environmental restoration will not receive priority intervention, while those who demonstrated commitment to environmental health would be prioritised by government.

“With immediate effect, all houses channeling runoff water onto roads shall be sealed until catchment pits are constructed within their premises to ensure that storm and runoff water no longer enter public roads and drainages.

“Each community is directed to constitute Environmental Teams to identify and report erosion sites to government and coordinate community remedial action.

“Henceforth, government intervention will be contingent on full compliance with environmental health standards.

“Communities that neglect environmental restoration will not receive priority intervention.

“Communities that demonstrate commitment to environmental health will be prioritised by government.”

Mefor also disclosed Council’s review of devastating impact of erosion across the state and resolved to strengthen immediate remedial actions.

“The Council resolved that all individual actions contributing to erosion and environmental degradation are to be stopped forthwith through strict enforcement of environmental laws.

“It also resolved that construction of catchment pits in all buildings – residential, commercial and religious institutions across the state is now mandated as expressly provided for in the environmental law.

“Appropriate sanctions will apply for non-compliance.”

Mefor also highlighted the Council’s appraisal of Soludo’s trip to Canada and Silicon Valley, USA, saying that the Council deemed the visit as strategic to positioning the state as a leading innovation and technology hub in Nigeria and Africa.

He added: “In line with this, Council approved the commissioning of the Solution Innovation District (SID) Permanent Site in March, 2027, to mark the first anniversary of Mr. Governor’s second term.

“SID is designed to drive tech talent development, startups, and digital enterprise in the state.

“The Soludo administration remains committed to Solution 2.0 agenda: building a smart megacity that is livable, prosperous, and sustainable.”