EROSION CONTROL: ASHA ADVISES GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE DEVELOPERS MUST HAVE CATCHMENT PITS 29-09-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Anambra State House of Assembly has adviced the executive arm of government to insist that developers and factory owners, have catchment pits in their compounds.
In a motion sponsored by the majority leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, the house resolved that the executive arm should direct all enforcement agencies to compel both landlords, factory owners and others to have a catchment pit and create green reserve areas to contain volume of water from their roofs.
Mr Ofodeme said the construction of cover catchment pits in all houses across the state will no doubt go a long way in reducing the menace of flooding in the state. According to Mr Ofodeme, the present practice where all compounds are interlocked without considering a green path or pit that will be absorbing water from the roofs have continued to cause serious problem to the roads and flood ways where they empty in.
Speaking in Favour of the motion, the Member representing Orumba South Constituency, Mr Emmanuel Nwafor said the velocity of water that comes out of various houses end up causing serious damage to the already constructed roads especially those from factories which contain dangerous chemicals.
Mr Jude Umennajiego of Onitsha South two, noted that the state is erosion prone and highlights the importance of instituting measures to contain the menace .
He called for strict enforcement of the resolution to save the environment in the interest of the people.
The member representing Anambra East Constituency Mr Obi Nweke while supporting the motion said the call was for everyone to be on course and do the right thing.
Mr Golden Iloh of Ihiala Constituency two, said when the resolution is implemented, it will go a long way to save the roads and reduce flash floods.
Mr Tony Moubike, Aguata Constituency two in his submission, observed that the present administration was already implementing the idea in Isuofia where a fine of fifty thousand naira is paid by anyone who builds without green zone in their compounds.
Mr Chidi Ibemeka representing Njikoka Constituency One, who said the importance of catchment pit cannot be over emphasized, especially for interlocked compounds.
Mr Benard Udemezue representing Ayamelum Constituency described the motion as a life saving one that needs the executive to ensure that it is immediately implemented.
The Speaker , Mr Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over plenary, commended the sponsor of the all important motion, and enjoined the House Committee on Environment to take note. Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the law makers unanimously agreed that the resolution will not only save the environment but also impact positively on the revenue of the state when defaulters begin to pay fines.