The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) yesterday in Onitsha urged the Anambra State Government to embark on the prompt evacuation of heaps of garbage from all the dump sites across the state.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the CLO Chairman, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, and the Secretary, Mr Chidi Mbah, and made available to reporters in Onitsha.
The group urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and avert the health hazards and epidemic looming in Onitsha and its environs.
“We urge Governor Charles Soludo to expedite action toward evacuation and clearing of the garbage dump sites in various parts of the state.
“Clearing of waste bins and refuse is inevitable and ineluctable to avoid flooding, health hazards, erosion, obstruction, destruction of roads, blockage of drainage channels and roads due to torrential downpour currently at its peak,” they said.
The group made observations on the ongoing Onitsha clean-up and Urban Renewal Initiative and the level of compliance of the governor’s directive for the demolition of illegal structures on the drainage systems.
“We commend the political will and relentless efforts of Soludo to ensure a safe, secured, clean and habitable homeland.
“Notwithstanding, there are still refuse dump sites in various parts of the state that need immediate evacuation as they constitute a threat to lives and health of the citizenry,’’ the statement said.