The Anambra State Government has announced plans to commence a statewide environmental sanitation exercise tagged “Operation Desilt Your Waterways/Drainage Channels 3.0.”
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, the exercise is aimed at clearing blocked drainage systems and strengthening flood control across the state.
A public notice issued by the Ministry indicated that the exercise will begin on Monday, April 27, 2026, and will be implemented across all communities as part of efforts to promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The government said the initiative is designed to ensure that waterways and drainage channels are free from silt, refuse, and other debris that obstruct the free flow of rainwater, especially during the rainy season when flooding risks are high.
Authorities warned that blocked drainage systems contribute significantly to flooding, erosion, environmental degradation, and public health risks, including the spread of diseases.
The Ministry of Environment stated that the programme aligns with existing environmental and public health laws, as well as the state’s urban renewal agenda aimed at transforming Anambra into a modern smart megacity.
As part of the directive, the government called on religious organisations, landlords’ associations, market unions, motor park operators, schools, estates, churches, abattoirs, shopping malls, and other public and private institutions to actively participate in desilting drainage channels within their areas.
The notice further directed that all cleared debris must be promptly evacuated from roadsides and public spaces to prevent secondary pollution, warning that enforcement actions and prosecutions would be taken against defaulters.
It added that offenders risk penalties under relevant environmental laws of the state.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Ministry stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility, urging residents to support the initiative to keep Anambra “clean and green.”
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