- Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Sunny A. DAVID, ONITSHA:
The Lawmaker representing Onitsha-North 2 State Constituency in the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, has suggested reasons the governnent of Anambra State should borrow a leaf from Kigali, the Rwandan Capital.
He spoke with our correspondent at the State Assembly Complex Awka, who returned from the Rwandan in the company of other lawmakers, said Anambra could learn a lot from Kigali especially as it concerns taking care of the environment.
The Lawmaker is the Chairman, Committee on Environment, recalled that some of the most striking qualities of the environment in Kigali were vegetations and the neatness of the drainage systems, stating that the Rwandan governnent has utmost respect for the environment.
Hon. Ibuzo said if only the citizens could have respect for the environment and not indulge in deforestation, indiscriminate bush burning, blockage of water channels and a host of other inhumane attitudes on the environment, issues of flood and erosion would be resolved in Anambra state.
Although he pointed out that the state assembly was on the verge of passing the Anambra State Erosion and Watershed Management Bill as well as the Anambra State Clear Drainage and Forest Preservation Agency Bill into law, he was confident that Anambra would have the semblance of Kigali, if both agencies come into operation.
He noted that the trouble with Anambra State was blockage of flood channels with silt, which he said culminated into environmental degradation.
According to him, the Rwandan governnent spent fortune on tree-planting, planting of flowers and beautifications, desilting and clearing of drainages coupled with other activities intended to beautify the environment, stressing that the attention paid to environmental cleanliness has made Kigali one of the most sought after cities in Africa.
The Lawmaker was however emphatic that the state ministry of environment should be more proactive in enforcing environmental laws and ensuring compliance to instill the culture of discipline and attitudinal change towards the environment.
