Anambra State Assembly Asks Environment Ministry To Scale Up Interventions On Erosion Control, Waste Management

The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has charged the Ministry of Environment to intensify efforts in the areas of erosion control and waste management to safeguard Anambra State.

House of Assembly Correspondent, Chukwuemeka Modilim reports that the Chairman of the committee, Honourable Edward Ibuzo gave the directive when the ministry appeared before it to defend their budget estimate for 2021 fiscal year.

Honourable Ibuzo who reviewed and scrutinized the performance of the ministry in 2020 budget, observed that it did not do much in the areas of waste management and erosion control owing to the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

The lawmaker made it clear that the committee will approve their budget estimate for 2021 but will embark on oversight visit at all their project sites to ensure judicious use of the fund.

Honourable Ibuzo also stressed the need for the ministry to always keep aside funds for contractors handling erosion sites in order to pay them immediately their certificates are raised.

On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Obi Nwankwo explained that over two billion naira allocated to the ministry in 2021 Appropriation bill will be used for erosion control, waste management, forest preservation sewage control and desilting of drainages in the state.

Also, the ministry of Basic Education, led by the Commissioner, Professor Kate Omenugha appeared before the House committee on Basic Education and defended their budget estimate for 2021 fiscal year.

Speaking to journalists after interfacing with the ministry, the Chairman, House Committee on Basic Educational, Honourable Ejike Okechukwu asked the ministry to redouble their efforts so that education which is the pride of Anambra State will continue to soar high, adding that all their observations from their budget estimate will be included in the report they will submit to the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Chief Obinna Emeneka which may form the general decision of the House .