The Anambra – Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) has decried the alarming pollution of rivers in the Southeast geopolitical zone and urged state governments to adopt corrective measures to address them.

Managing Director, AIRBDA, Gerald Osuagwu, appealed when the agency, under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the stakeholders drawn from Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi States, held the World Rivers Day at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

The Vice-Chancellor, FUTO, Prof Nnenna Oti, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof John Njoku, appealed to the Imo State government to protect Otamiri and Nwore Rivers in the Owerri, which is currently polluted.

Speaking on the theme: “Water is Life, Protect the Source: The River,” Osuagwu lamented that the rivers are facing pollution and degradation as a result of human, environmental and industrial activities.

He further appealed to the government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to put in place appropriate policies and regulations that will protect the health of the rivers and environment.

Osuagwu called for the creation of awareness on the protection of rivers and the environment, through a symbolic river cleanup; memorial tree planting at the riverside to mark this year’s celebration, as well as media statements on the issues by the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in the country.

He explained that rivers worldwide face an array of threats, and only through active participation and involvement of government agencies that their health in the years ahead be assured.

The Vice-chancellor, who called for a stop to river abuse, advocated harnessing of river resources. She also appealed to the government to stop sand mining, and disposal of sewage waste, and to maximise the socio-economic, academic and potential benefits of rivers, especially the Otamiri and Nwore Rivers in the state.

Dr Caroline Amadi, recommended stronger protection laws to curb river abuse. Among pollutants that degrade water quality, she listed are industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and plastic waste.