Japan partners UNOPS to install flood detection devices in Anambra

The Japanese government, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has installed two GPS water-level detector sensors at strategic riverbanks in Anambra state.

Hitoshi Kozaki, the ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, said on Thursday in Awka, the capital of Anambra, that the intervention aims at mitigating flooding and other climatic challenges in the state.

The donation was made through the ‘Emergency support to climate change’ initiative, in response to the impact of the 2022 flood disaster experienced in Anambra.

“The Japanese government is committed to helping Anambra state to mitigate flooding and other climatic challenges to save lives and property,” Kozaki said.

“The installation of two GPS water level detector sensors at key riverbank locations in the state is to enable effective responses to floods and other climate-related disasters.

“In partnership with UNOPS, we are handing over 10 vehicles to improve logistical capacity and ICT equipment to enhance information and communication technology.

“These resources will help Anambra to prepare, manage, and address future threats and climate change challenges.”

Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba, director of UNOPS, Ghana multi-country office, said the project is funded by the government of Japan through its ministry of foreign affairs.

Charles-Monwuba said the gesture was to mitigate the yearly flooding in Anambra and protect the people from future disasters.

Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra, thanked the Japanese government and UNOPS for coming to the aid of the state.

Soludo, who was represented by Onyekachukwu Ibezim, his deputy, said the intervention would support the state’s effort towards protecting residents from the adverse effects of flood disaster.

He appealed to international organisations to assist the state in finding a lasting solution to flooding.

“Thank you for thinking about us. As a government, we have been doing so much to address flood disasters and other climatic change challenges confronting the state,” Soludo said.

“We are still calling on international organisations and other developed countries of the world to assist Anambra in providing a permanent solution to the annual flooding.”