Environment
IGWE Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, has observed that issue of flooding, silted drains, building on flood channels and waste management has been major bane to development of Onitsha.
“A study on storm water management in the commercial city will help in developing clear master plan to tackle the perennial flooding in Onitsha,’’ Achebe said this during the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, one-day Stakeholders consultation. The event was held at Onitsha.
He commended efforts of the state government through NEWMAP in under taking to provide solutions.
Igwe Achebe was represented by Chinyelugo Osita Anionwu, president-general of the Onitsha Improvement Union,.
Michael Ivenso, the project coordinator for Anambra NEWMAP, who was represented by Emenike Ajulufo, the Natural Resources Management Officer, said the study would aim at mitigating perennial flooding in the metropolis and environs.
Ivenso explained that the project was based on effort of Obiano, who sourced for the funding from the Special Climate Change Fund, SCCF. “The fund was under NEWMAP.’’
The Coordinator said an International Consultant, Enviplan International Ltd., was selected to undertake the study of flood and drainage discharge patterns.
“The study is intent on developing lasting solution to flooding and the menace of rain water in Onitsha and environs.”
Emeka Asoanya, the transition committee chairman, Onitsha South Local Government Area, noted that the project was timely and called for the redesigning of drains in the city.
J.W.E Metibaiye, one of the consultants, explained that the consultancy would be achieved by identifying and assessing the storm water drainage needs of Onitsha City.
He said a Master plan was prepared to allow for detailed design and implementation of infrastructures and projects to reduce flooding, and manage the menace.
Phil Chinwuba, the managing director, Anambra State Waste Management Agency, ASWAMA, explained that the issue of waste management required attitudinal change and the corporation of the public.
He called on the citizens to imbibe the right environmental practices. “The situation where the citizens build on water ways and steal bins provided for refuse disposal is totally unacceptable,” Chinwuba said
Akunne Ernest Anyaegbunam, a retired director with the National Geoharzard Monitoring Centre, commended the efforts of Obiano for addressing the issue of erosion.
– Feb. 28, 2018 @ 17:46 GMT |
Tags: Study of Onitsha urban storm water pattern will help in developing master plan
