By Patricia Osegbue/Juliana Nwachukwu :
In line with Anambra State Government’s efforts to ensure an all-round participation in the monthly sanitation exercise, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe personally flagged off this month’s sanitation exercise in Onitsha Local Governments (LGA).
The point of commencement of the exercise was Umuikem Road, opposite Okosi Ukwu- Oji, Onitsha. It attracted members of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Transition Committee members of Onitsha North and South Local Government Areas, APGA faithful, industrialists, traders, residents and major stakeholders from the community.
Chief Sam Chukwudebelu who represented the royal father spoke to the people before the commencement of the exercise.
He thanked the government for its commitment and for the priority placed on the stoppage of refuse littering streets and roads of Anambra. He promised that he would mobilize his people to key into the mission of the governor to make the state livable and prosperous.
While urging the people to take the issue of cleanliness serious the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, who was on hand to witness the clean-up said emphasis should also be placed on drainage desilting in all the markets, streets and roads.
He charged the Transition Committee Chairmen to put the campaign for clean and healthy environment on the front burner of their administration.
The commissioner noted that his ministry would soon commence the monitoring of all Local Government Areas so as to ensure compliance to the government directive.
The Chairman, Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Dr. Emma Ezenwaji who was also present, said that the continued sanitation exercise in Onitsha is important as the town is known for its great impact especially in industrialization, trade and commerce.
He revealed that the Agency has inaugurated a task force which would ensure attitudinal change among the people of the state especially the banning of open-refuse disposal in all parts of the state starting from 30th of September, 2022.
The Transition Committee Chairman (TCC) of Onitsha North, Mr. Onochie Ozoma assured that he would do his best with his team of councilors and ward supervisors to ensure progress in the community.
He said he has mapped out different areas to intensify the developmental drive, promising that Onitsha will raise the bar in cleanliness by involving everyone in the process.
Mr Ozoma led the sanitation team to various flash points within Onitsha.
Mr Emeka Oji and Mr Emmanuel Nweke from Onitsha South and Oyi local government respectively assured the commissioner of an immediate response to government demand of getting rid of refuse in streets and roads of their various communities.
