From TCNEWS
The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna has reiterated that the state government is determined to ensure full compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state.
To this end he has disclosed plans to establish mobile courts in areas showing resistance to the environmental sanitation exercise.
The Commissioner who frowned at the report of non compliance of traders at Orie-Ugba market as conveyed by the Coordinator, Abia State Command of War Against Indiscipline, WAI, Mr Okwum Victor, warned that anybody that is apprehended by law enforcement agencies will be up for it.
He urged traders at Orie Ugba and other areas to improve their efforts, emphasizing that cleanliness is paramount.
He also advised that the residents and citizens of Abi should be responsible for cleaning of their environment and also know that the government mean well for them.
Mr. Ogbonna also expressed disapproval of young boys playing football during sanitation, describing their actions as youthful exuberance.
He urged parents to caution their children and promised that the state government would soon find ways to address this issue.
Regarding the overall setup and success of the exercise in August, the Commissioner commended Abians for adopting the culture of keeping their surroundings clean.
The Commissioner praised participating NGOs, including the Rotaract Club Umuahia CB, Young African Leaders Initiative, Green Abia Project, and Umuahia Diamond Club, for supporting the state government’s efforts to keep the environment clean.
He encouraged them to continue their good work.
Also speaking, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, member representing Ohafia South State Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment and Urban Renewal, called for an amendment to the Abia State Sanitation Law to impose stiffer penalties on those conducting business during sanitation exercises.
No fewer than Seventy defaulters were arrested and charged to the Abia State Sanitation Court in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
