The Anambra State Government has announced a five-hour restriction on movement across the state on Saturday, July 4, as it begins a statewide environmental enforcement exercise targeting blocked drainages, illegal structures and excessive sand mining.
The restriction, which will run from **6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.**, follows the government's declaration of a state of emergency over what it described as worsening environmental degradation.
In a joint public service announcement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, and the Commissioner for Environment, Clem Aguiyi, the government attributed the environmental crisis to indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, construction on waterways, encroachment on drainage corridors and rights of way, and uncontrolled sand mining.
According to the statement, the environmental emergency is aimed at addressing practices that have increased the risk of flooding and gully erosion across the state.
The government said Saturday, July 4, has been designated as the commencement date for a statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise. The operation will involve markets, transport unions, youth groups, community leaders, churches and residents.
To ensure the exercise is carried out effectively, movement will be restricted throughout the state during the five-hour period. However, security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, the fire service and other essential service providers will be exempted.
The state government also directed developers constructing new buildings to provide mandatory catch pits for proper runoff water management in line with existing environmental regulations.
Authorities said enforcement would extend to illegal sand mining activities and the removal of structures obstructing drainage channels and waterways.
The government warned that anyone who violates the new environmental directives or fails to comply with the restrictions would be prosecuted under existing laws.
It urged residents to cooperate with the exercise, describing it as necessary to protect communities from flooding and other environmental hazards.
