His Royal Highness, Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Umuahia North Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers, has called for the education of residents on proper refuse disposal practices. During a courtesy visit by Mr. Ambrose Jonah, Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Sanitation and Protection Agency (ASEPA) for Umuahia zone, Eze Nwaigwe hinted on the need for awareness and sensitization programs to instill a culture of cleanliness within the community.
He urged ASEPA to take proactive measures to revive cleanliness standards in the state through robust refuse management initiatives. Eze Nwaigwe advised implementing a monitoring team to ensure compliance with refuse disposal regulations, emphasizing the role of public perception in assessing ASEPA’s performance. Additionally, he encouraged collaboration with individuals capable of aiding in the effective execution of ASEPA’s responsibilities.
Eze Nwaigwe stressed the significance of creating awareness campaigns to deter indiscriminate refuse disposal, citing cultural norms and environmental considerations. He proposed establishing a sanitation enforcement team to oversee compliance and address violations promptly. Recognizing the challenges posed by urban refuse management, Eze Nwaigwe highlighted the detrimental effects of plastic waste on agricultural lands.
Furthermore, Eze Nwaigwe pledged to engage with urban traditional rulers to enforce accountability for refuse disposal infractions. He proposed that individuals caught disposing of refuse illegally would need to produce their traditional ruler for resolution. This collaborative approach aims to reinforce community responsibility and adherence to established waste disposal guidelines.
In response, Mr. Ambrose Jonah expressed his commitment to seeking guidance and support from traditional leaders in fulfilling ASEPA’s mandate. He emphasized the importance of partnership between ASEPA, the state government, and traditional authorities in promoting cleanliness initiatives. Mr. Jonah affirmed his dedication to Governor Alex Otti’s vision of enhancing environmental sanitation in Abia State.
IMAGE: Punch
