Anambra Govt Vows to Prosecute Communities Over Illegal Sand Excavation, Environmental Violations

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Government has threatened to prosecute individuals and communities involved in illegal sand excavation, indiscriminate tree felling, deforestation, improper refuse disposal and other activities contributing to environmental degradation across the state.

The government also warned that communities engaging in such practices would not receive priority attention in its erosion control interventions.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement following the 18th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), held at the Light House, Awka.

According to Mefor, the Council reiterated its commitment to tackling erosion and other environmental challenges but stressed that communities must demonstrate responsible environmental practices to qualify for priority government intervention.

He quoted the Council as warning:

“Communities that engage in sand excavation, indiscriminate felling of trees, deforestation, dumping of refuse in drainage channels, channeling of stormwater onto roads, and other prohibited and prosecutable practices will not receive priority attention.

“Perpetrators of such acts will be prosecuted.”

Meanwhile, the Council directed that Ogbodi in Amichi community, which has been cut off by erosion, be reconnected within two weeks through immediate palliative measures.

Mefor said the government would also commence the scoping process for a permanent solution to the erosion challenge in the area.

In another development, the State Executive Council approved the Soludozie Anambra Framework, an organised and inclusive platform designed to strengthen partnerships between the state government, Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora, and other development partners.

The initiative will operate under the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model, providing a structured avenue for individuals and organisations willing to contribute to the development of the state.

Explaining the framework, Mefor said government involvement would generally be limited to documentation, recognition and support where requested, while donors and partners would directly manage their funds and projects.

He said:

“Council approved the Soludozie Anambra Framework, an organised and inclusive platform under the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model.

“The initiative is designed to provide a structured channel for Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora, and other well-meaning partners, who wish to partner with the State Government for development.”

According to him, the framework is aimed at positioning Anambra as a global model of collective governance and inclusive development while accelerating the state’s development drive.

The government said the initiative would encourage broader participation in governance and create opportunities for individuals and organisations to contribute directly to the state’s development.

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