By Daniel Okeke Kameme – Awka
August 16, 2026
The Anambra State Government has directed immediate water quality testing for all boreholes and underground water pits in communities affected by recent flooding across Idemili North, Ogbaru, and Onitsha South Local Government Areas.
The affected areas include Onitsha, Ogbaru, Ogidi, Umusiome Nkpor, and Obosi, where heavy rains in the past weeks have damaged drainage channels, submerged water sources, and left residents at risk of waterborne diseases.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, the government said the directive is aimed at preventing outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and other illnesses linked to contaminated water.
“Flood water carries sewage, chemicals, and waste into our groundwater. What looks clear is not necessarily safe. We cannot wait for people to fall sick before we act,” Dr. Aguiyi said.
Testing and Collaboration According to the Commissioner, the Ministry of Environment will work with the Ministry of Health, the three affected LGAs, and community leaders to collect samples from both public and private water sources.
The samples will be analyzed by state-accredited consultants and laboratories to determine if the water is safe for domestic use. Where contamination is found, the Ministry will oversee disinfection and a follow-up test before the source is cleared for use.
Key Directives to Residents
Dr. Clem Aguiyi outlined four key instructions for residents in the flood-affected areas:
1. Submit water sources for testing: All homeowners, landlords, schools, markets, and religious centers must present their boreholes and water pits for sampling.
2. Treat water at home: Boil or chlorinate all drinking water until official test results are released.
3. Stop dumping in drains: Indiscriminate waste disposal in drainage channels is prohibited and will be enforced by law.4. Disinfect contaminated sources: Any well or borehole found unsafe will be treated and retested.
The Commissioner added that the Soludo administration has been investing in drainage construction and catchment pits to address perennial flooding, but called on residents to support environmental sanitation efforts.
How to get informationFor inquiries, residents can contact the Ministry of Environment Public and Environmental Health Desk on +234 803 667 9407.
With flooding already displacing families and destroying property in parts of Ogidi and Umusiome Nkpor this rainy season, health officials say proactive water testing is critical to avoid a public health crisis.
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