From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Anambra Government, yesterday, said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed plans to tackle flooding in the state.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, disclosed this at a two-day inter-agency meeting organised in Awka to assess the activities of development partners in the state.
“I must mention here that we are actually working with the UNDP. There is a flood resilience plan that is currently being provided. It’s been developed. I actually have the final document now. And this is actually to have more like a sustainable or final response to this flood issue in Anambra State. We hope that if they get it right in Anambra State, the template can be replicated in other states. That’s their target and Anambra State is ready to work with them to drive the implementation of this plan as quickly as possible.”
The commissioner said the state was aware of the flood alert issued by the Federal Government and was working hard to ensure the safety of Ndi Anambra living in flood prone areas.
“The major challenge they have had is around orientation which is actually what we understand. Nobody wants to leave the comfort of their home except it is really, really bad.
“Right now, I know that there is some conversation around the alert. You can’t just expect them to evacuate from their houses when they don’t see it coming in their faces.”
So, it is expected but then, I think orientation and reorientation will actually help people to understand that there is an existential problem in Anambra State and as much as possible, the state is currently looking for a way to provide some permanent solution,” she added.
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