The Imo state government has commenced the desilting of Lake Nwaebere at the back of Imo state University (IMSU), along the road leading to Mbonu Ojike Street, Ikenegbu Layout.
Fielding questions from newsmen, General Manager of ENTRACO, Alex Emeziem described the lake as a water retention basin where floodwater from; Works Layout, Orji Mechanics Village, Okigwe Road, Rock view/Government House Roundabout, Ikenegbu Layout, among others flow to and are retained.
He said desilting of the lake will stop the flood in the above-mentioned areas and disclosed that other water retention basins across the city will be opened in order to achieve their aims.
The ENTRACO boss said the governor approved for two Swamp Bogies to be brought down from Port Harcourt to achieve the aim, while excavators and other earth-moving equipment will be deployed to do the work.
Some other stakeholders at the function made their feelings known.
The Dean, Students Affairs of Imo State University, Prof Martin Nwankwo said he has approved the proposal of the ENTRACO DG to start ENTRACO club in the university which he said will finally be approved by the Vice-Chancellor, a measure he said will make the institution cleaner, greener and sweeter.
A Deputy Director and Head of Works in the Institution, Engr. VC Igiri said the eventual solution will come by proper design which will stop most of the floodwater from flowing into the lake.
The Public Relations Officer of IMSU, Nze Ralph Njoku Obi said the lake used to be a freshwater lake and had a road leading to Mbaonu Ojike Street. He noted that flood around the lake made people residing around the vicinity to vacate.
He also used the opportunity to appreciate the state government through ENTRACO for relocating traders along the road and gate of the university which he said has brought back the beauty of the university as an Ivory.
Special Assistant to Governor Emeka Ihedioha on Waste Disposal, Emeka Okpokoro said lots of waste contributed to flooding in the state.
“That is why we are here to desilt lake Nwaebere which harbours lots of waste. We are going to desilt other basins across the city and by the time we finish, flooding will be a history for a very long time before the secondary solution.
By Jennifer John
