Sanitation: Community leaders pledges collaboration with ASEPA
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Community leaders in Umuahia North and South Local Government Areas have pledged stronger collaboration with the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) to improve environmental cleanliness and curb indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.
The commitment was made during an interactive session convened by the ASEPA Umuahia Zonal Office at the Umuahia North Local Government Headquarters, where the Deputy General Manager, Catechist Jonah Ambrose, met with President Generals of various communities to discuss strategies for sustaining a cleaner, greener environment.
Speaking at the forum, the President Generals stressed the need for locally tailored sanitation policies that would involve communities directly in the fight against environmental degradation. They proposed the establishment of taskforces, supported by law enforcement where necessary, to enforce cleanliness and sanction defaulters.
The community leaders including Chief Chuks Ukaegbu of Afarata Ibeku, High Chief Ezenwoke of Nkwoegwu, Royal High Chief Maduabuchi Nwoha of Oparankaru, Hon. Tony Onyenweaku of Azueke-Ibeku, Emenike Egwu of Umuda Okpuala, Chief Silas Uche Ihemeremadu of Nkata Ibeku among others, argued that just as security is a shared responsibility, environmental cleanliness should not be left to ASEPA or the government alone.
They suggested using youth groups and vigilantes to monitor indiscriminate dumping, especially at night and during rainfall, while calling on ASEPA to appoint liaison officers in rural areas to improve information flow.
The issue of stray cattle in Umuahia was also highlighted, with participants noting that some of the animals are owned by residents. They resolved to petition security agencies and engage orientation agencies to sensitize the public on the need for ranching and the dangers of allowing cows roam freely in city streets.
In his remarks, ASEPA Deputy General Manager Ambrose urged communities to take ownership of sanitation efforts, warning against the littering of streets and construction of makeshift structures that deface the capital. He commended Governor Alex Otti’s efforts in environmental protection, citing the dredging of Ihie River in Olokoro as part of flood prevention measures.
Ambrose further advised the formation of sanitation committees in every community to collaborate with ASEPA, monitor the use of waste bins, and establish central refuse collection points where none exist. He disclosed plans to begin recognizing and awarding the cleanest communities in the state, while also cautioning that measures may be taken to impound stray cattle found within the city.
Supporting the call, Mayor of Umuahia South, Engr. Chinedu Enwereuzo, and the immediate past Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North, Mr. Ama Okechukwu Anthony, reminded community leaders that the responsibility of keeping Abia clean rests with everyone. They emphasized that a healthy environment is vital for safeguarding lives against the risks of environmental hazards.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that sustainable environmental management requires grassroots participation, not just government action. By empowering communities, Abia seeks to set a model for inclusive urban sanitation in Nigeria.
The meeting ended with a collective resolve to intensify local participation in environmental sanitation, promote community-based waste management, and reinforce the state government’s drive to make Umuahia one of Nigeria’s cleanest cities.