WORRIED by flooding menace on major roads in Awka, the Anambra State Ministry of Works has commenced assessment of vulnerable roads and streets in order to forestall further damage.

Marcel Ifejiofor, commissioner for Works, directed officials of a construction company, IDC, engaged by government, to carryout de-silting of some blocked drainage systems.

The company is still involved in the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway.

He urged the company to construct additional basins to control the outflow of flood waters from Amawbia into drainage channels at Amawbia bypass end of the expressway.

At the Kwatta Flyover, the commissioner also directed that a consultant be engaged to design possible link of flood channels from Sammy Sparkle area of Works Road into Iyiagu Flood Channel.

While inspecting UNIZIK temporary site junction of the expressway, the commissioner considered the possibility of linking the flood from Arthur Eze Avenue and Emma Nnaemeka Street into Iyiagu channel.

Ifejiofor directed works’ ministry’s permanent secretary to invite the Awka South Council chairman for a meeting to discuss the possibility of land owners to cede portions of their land for a comprehensive drainage system.

He cautioned residents of the area against dumping of refuse into culverts as such practice could further block the drainage system.

Freddy Franklin, site manager, IDC Construction Company, promised that the company would de-silt the blocked drainage channels in the affected areas as directed by the commissioner.

Ifejiofor was accompanied on the inspection by Emeka Ohuoha, permanent secretary of the ministry,  and other top functionaries of the ministry.

– Aug. 30, 2018 @ 16:10 GMT |