Anambra To Demolish Buildings On Waterways, Enforce Ban On Open Mechanic Workshops

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

THE Anambra State Government has announced plans to commence full enforcement of the ban on open mechanic workshops across its major cities, while also moving to demolish structures erected on waterways.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, made the disclosure in Awka during celebrations for World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June.

According to him, the state will no longer tolerate human activities that distort the urban landscape and have devastating effects on the environment.

Dr Aguiyi called on all owners of mechanic workshops in urban areas, particularly in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, and their environs, to immediately begin fencing off their premises.

He further announced that from next week, the Ministry of Environment will commence the marking of buildings and structures erected on waterways and flood channels across the state for demolition.

The Commissioner regretted the worsening flood‑related challenges in several communities in Anambra, noting that some are the result of structures built on waterways and the dumping of rubbish inside gutters, which obstructs the free flow of floodwater.