Abia State Government Launches River Cleaning Exercise to Avert Floods

The Abia State Government has commenced a large-scale river cleaning operation in Olokoro and Afara, Umuahia, to tackle blocked waterways and prevent flooding.

The exercise, executed by Frank Burke Global Nigeria Ltd through the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), began on Monday and covers Saclux Afara, Ihie Bridge, and Umudere Olokoro rivers.

ASEPA’s Deputy General Manager for Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, said the directive came directly from Governor Alex Otti after reports of blocked waterways. The operation aims to widen the rivers, remove non-biodegradable waste, and restore free water flow.

“We are pleading with the public to stop dumping waste into gutters and rivers,” Jonah said, adding that designated waste collection points will be installed to discourage indiscriminate dumping.

The initiative is part of a broader environmental sanitation and drainage dredging effort targeting flood-prone areas in Umuahia North and South, including Afaraukwu-Aba Road, Ihie Bridge in Umuntu, and Umudere Bridge linking Amakama in Olokoro.

The proactive step follows a Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warning listing Abia among states at high risk of heavy rainfall and flooding in the coming months.

ASEPA’s Head of Operations, Mr. Chidiebere Ogbuehi, revealed that the agency handles about 216,000 tons of waste annually, with much of the environmental damage linked to poor waste disposal habits. He noted that ASEPA has introduced door-to-door waste collection to promote responsible waste management.

Contractor Mr. Francis Okechukwu Mathew confirmed that major obstructions at Ihie Bridge caused by years of waste buildup are being cleared, with completion expected within 10 days, weather permitting.

The government says it will sustain public sensitization campaigns and institutionalize sustainable waste management practices to build resilience against climate change-induced flooding.

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