Anambra at 29:.Strengthening, stimulating economic root

       

Anambra at 29:Strengthening, stimulating economic root through enabling environment

 

 

                In this report, Maureen Ikpeama and Charity Uzoagba wrote on strengthening, stimulating economic root of Anambra State through  enabling environment.

 

                Having a serene environment is very important  in human lives. Adopting environmentally friendly business practices ,can provide benefits to the business owner seeking to control costs, attract customers and become socially responsible. It can also help boost efficiency, productivity, innovation and  business's bottom line.

                Since it's creation 29 years ago, Anambra State had infrastructural challenges that affected it's economic root.

                On his inauguration , Anambra State governor, Chief Willie  Obiano promised to launch the State into a new economic phase through four pillars of development namely: Aggressive Mechanized Agriculture; Oil and Gas; Trade and Commerce and Industrialization.

 

                Around these, are ten other enablers  which includes Education, Health, the Environment; Security, Transportation, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Planning, among others.

                 Governor Obiano created the  ministry of Environment, Beautification and Ecology , aimed at  ensuring  the attainment of a clean, beautiful and sustainable environment across the state through the application of best practices in the management of the environment.

 

                To develop, control

 

                and maintain public parks and gardens.

 

                An Environmentalist, Edith Okpala said relevant departments,

 

                boards  and agencies were created to create a clean, beautiful, attractive business-friendly environment in the state.

 

                They are Anambra State Physical Planning Board(ANSPPB), Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Anambra State Leisure Parks and Street Beautification Agency, Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency(ANSEPA) and Ocha Brigade

                Statement from ACTDA said that Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has  the mandate: to prepare and implement a master plan for the  Capital Territory and Land Use with respect to town planning within the capital territory  and to accelerate the infrastructural development of Awka Capital Territory.

 

                The managing director/ chief executive officer, ACTDA, Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa said," We have set a standard in development and building

                 control. That is very important  in relation to building an economically viable society because when you plan very well you succeed.

                "So when we implement such policies, when people come into Anambra State, it is easier to

 

                identify the places where your services are needed and we take

 

                part in the holistic view of the organisation, the infrastructure and services that are needed to accelerate the development and to exhibit the executive values of the state.

                "In the past, some individuals could block waterways and when it rains the whole place will be flooded and that has led to loses, now we have been able to enforce the developmental control. There is always a setback; a space, from the water way before you can  build  even on the motor ways. We have a setback and that makes life safer.

 

                "On sanitation,  we enforce clearing of the premises, if the environment is not clean, it negates the impact of investment.

                "We have carried out distilling, unclogging the drainages, so that whenever it rains there will be a smooth flow of water, it stops flooding and encourages investors", Okwuosa said.

 

                 There is  Anambra State Leisure Parks and Street Beautification Agency,  passed into law on March, 2020. Edward Ibuzo,  lawmaker said the Agency would promote afforestation and encourage tree planting and other humane attitudes to the environment.

                The state is creating natural parks and encouraging tourism through its current process in projecting Ogbunike cave, Agulu lake, Owerre Ezukala water fall as world class centers for tourism.

 

                In tackling  erosion menace,Commissioner for Environment , Michael Okonkwo said that Gov .Obiano  constantly send out (SOS) to the Federal government.

 

                Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), is incharge of keeping the state clean. General monthly sanitation exercise  is held and  mobile court established to prosecute defaulters. Revenue is generated through payment of ASWAMA sanitation levy and fines.

 

                The Awka  International Conference Center under construction is a beauty to behold. James Ezeh wrote :"The design is of ultra-modern International standards with a minimum seating capacity of 5,000 persons. When completed it will be a centre for economic activities.

 

                If adequately funded, and the ministry, it's agencies and boards work effectively within their mandates, the economic root of Anambra State will be strengthened,

 

 

 

Pix one

Tourist site , Ogbunike, Anambra State.

 

Pix two, Waterfalls, Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State.