The Anambra State Government has announced the commencement of a statewide environmental sanitation enforcement exercise aimed at tackling flooding, illegal waste disposal and other activities contributing to environmental degradation across the state.
The exercise is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with authorities set to intensify action against individuals and property owners blocking drainage channels, building on waterways, dumping refuse indiscriminately and engaging in illegal sand mining.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, the government said Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared environmental sustainability a top priority in response to the growing environmental challenges facing the state.
According to the statement, the statewide exercise will focus on desilting drainage systems and evacuating waste to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding and gully erosion.
The government said the sanitation campaign will involve markets, transport unions, youth organisations, community leaders, churches and residents across the state.
To ensure a successful exercise, movement will be restricted statewide from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the commencement day. However, security personnel, healthcare workers, emergency responders, journalists, the fire service and other essential service providers will be exempted from the restriction.
The state government also reminded developers to provide proper drainage facilities, including catch pits, in new building projects to effectively manage runoff water in line with existing regulations.
Residents were urged to cooperate with the exercise, as the government warned that anyone found violating environmental laws or failing to comply with the directive would face prosecution.
