In line with the provision of the Anambra State Environmental Management Protection and Administration Law 2024, Section 4 64(d) and 84(a) which prohibits illegal cutting of trees in the state, the Anambra state ministry of Environment has observed with utmost dismay the incidences of cutting down of trees along Enugu -Onitsha Expressways, Aroma Junction to Agu Awka in Awka, Anambra State by the staff of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, without recourse to prior official notification to the Ministry.

According to a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Tochukwu Obodogha all trees planted, were intentionally meant to serve several purposes which include beautification of the environment, serving as carbon sink that absorbs CO2 that help in mitigation of Climate Change, and environmental degradation, provision of shade and temperature control, and reduction of air pollution.

The release noted that the felling of trees if allowed indiscriminately to continue, would lead to a devastating consequence of the environment such as soil and gully erosion.

The ministry explained that in as much as they are aware of the right of way of EEDC installation, they, however, believe that these trees would have been managed in a more sustainable manner noting that it is therefore needful that the state government be duly informed so that they all can sustainably manage the environment to dutifully improve the sectors concerned without destroying each other.