Abia State government has indicated its intention to engage traders, hoteliers and proprietors of eatery centres in the state in order to make them participate fully during its monthly sanitation exercise.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna who dropped the hint after monitoring today (Saturday) clean up exercise in Umuahia, regretted that some hotels and eatery centres were seen operating their businesses while the clean up exercise was ongoing.
The Abia environmental commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Ikechukwu Oriuwa expressed disappointment over what he described as the “poor compliance of the exercise in some parts of city”. He observed that in some major markets in Umuahia, traders and eatery centres displayed nonchalant attitude towards the exercise.
According to him, the meeting which will centre the issues of making the monthly clean up in the state successful, will also address how the drainage systems would be cleaned.
He warned them against flouting the environmental exercise of the state, saying that their active participation will enhance the state’s aesthetic and ecological nature which Abia is known for.
At Orieugba and Isigate, the commissioner wondered why the traders chose to either display their wares or remain idle during the period of the sanitation exercise. According to him, they should clean up their surroundings in readiness for the day’s business.
He emphasized that the state government is taking environmental cleanliness as a top priory, explaining that the state lays emphasis on its cleaner environment and greener image.
Ogbonna used the opportunity to assert that the government will impose stricter measures to ensure compliance in future exercises, even as he reminded traders of the state’s designated cleanup period and asked them to always work in compliance.
In his comment, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, representing Ohafia South State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, cautioned interstate transporters and travelers, asking them to adhere strictly to the state’s environmental sanitation laws.
He warned that failure to do that will attract penalty.