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The Anambra State Government has announced that the state will be on lockdown on Saturday, July 4, for an effective environmental sanitation exercise.
According to the statement jointly signed by the Commissioner of Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, the measure became necessary as the government made environmental sustainability its top priority.
For that reason, the government has declared a state of emergency because of serious environmental damages, especially from people blocking waterways by dumping trash and other materials in the drains.
Also under focus are those who build on waterways, erect illegal structures and encroachments on drainages and right of way, as well as excessive sand mining across the state.
“To address this issue, the government said, “the government has ordered the cleaning of all drainage systems across the state and the stopping of uncontrolled sand mining, both of which are major factors making the state more prone to flooding and gully erosion.
“Saturday, July 4, 2026, has been mapped out as the D-Day for the commencement of the statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise. The exercise will involve markets, transport unions, youths, community leaders, churches, and all residents.
“To enable the exercise, all communities and businesses will be on lockdown and movement restricted from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Exemptions apply only to essential services: security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, the fire service, and others on essential duties”, the statement said.
Construction of new houses should make mandatory provisions for catch pits to properly manage run-off water as prescribed by law.
“Ndị Anambra are advised to cooperate with the government on this matter, as those who fail to comply will be prosecuted according to existing laws”, it concluded.
