Following efforts to prevent environmental diseases, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA on Thursday commenced the evacuation of refuse scattered around Orie-Ntigha market in Isialangwa North local government area of Abia State.
The evacuation was extended to the illegal refuse dump inside Ginger Samuel Amanaha Mini Stadium Amapu Ntigha.
While taking journalists around the market, the deputy general manager of ASEPA Umuahia zone, Cathetist Ambrose Jonah said the ancient refuse has been there for long.
He disclosed that the traditional ruler of the community, Isimba 1 of Isiala Amapu Ntigha autonomous community, Eze Jacob Akoma had written to them months ago which they presented to Governor Alex Otti who approved the evacuation.
Cathetist Jonah said the refuse evacuation would prevent a serious epidemic outbreak within the market.
He maintained that some of the stores will be pulled down to enable earth moving machines to evacuate the refuse to appropriate dump sites. Jonah advised people to ensure that they bag their refuse, adding that the environmental court has been equipped to prosecute offenders including those dropping refuse indiscriminately.
Responding, the traditional ruler of the community, Isimba 1 of Isiala Amapu Ntigha autonomous community, Eze Jacob Akoma described the feat by Abia state government through ASEPA as one of the biggest honours the Governor has given them during his first tenure.
Eze Akoma flanked by the regent of Anyiala autonomous community, Nze Raphael Onwunali disclosed that the mountainous refuse has been there for over fifteen years or more. Eze Akoma noted that several administrations had ignored their call.
The traditional ruler added that the previous governments collected fees but supplied dilapidated buckets to the market and assured that the community in collaboration with ASEPA will institute a toe fee to ensure regular evacuation of refuse.
He therefore assured that the community leaders have resolved not to allow the refuse to pile up let alone staying years without evacuation.
To this end, the traditional ruler said they will enter into agreement with ASEPA on how to do regular evacuation.
He said that they also expect ASEPA to drop their buckets around for easy evaluation. Eze Akoma thanked Governor Alex Otti for approving the evaluation and prayed to God to give him more strength to deliver on his mandate.
