The Anambra State Government has successfully enforced a statewide restriction of movement today, Saturday, July 4, 2026, as part of a critical environmental sanitation and desilting exercise ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The movement restriction, which took effect from 6:00 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 11:00 a.m., was declared to facilitate the urgent clearing of drainage systems and the removal of waste across all communities in the state. This initiative follows the Governor’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on environmental degradation, aimed at combating the recurring threats of flooding and gully erosion that have historically plagued the region. State officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, emphasized that the exercise is a necessary step to address human-induced environmental challenges. These include the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into waterways, the construction of illegal structures on drainage channels, and uncontrolled sand mining activities. The exercise has seen the active participation of various stakeholders, including market unions, transport groups, community leaders, youth organizations, and religious bodies. Residents are expected to dedicate the morning hours to clearing the drainages surrounding their homes and places of business. In compliance with the government directive, all commercial and public activities were suspended during the designated period. Exemptions were strictly limited to essential service providers, including security personnel, health workers, ambulance operators, fire service staff, and journalists covering the event. As part of the broader strategy for environmental sustainability, the state government has also mandated that all future building projects must include catch pits for the effective management of runoff water. The administration has warned that strict compliance is mandatory, and those who fail to adhere to these environmental sanitation regulations will face prosecution under the state’s environmental laws. This cleanup effort represents a significant component of Governor Soludo’s ongoing commitment to transforming Anambra into a more livable and resilient state by proactively mitigating the impact of the rainy season.