Abia Government to Establish Mobile Court at Orie Ugba Market to Enforce Sanitation Laws

Abia Government to Establish Mobile Court at Orie Ugba Market to Enforce Sanitation Laws

The Abia State Government has reiterated its resolve to establish a mobile court at the Orie Ugba Market in Umuahia to prosecute traders who continually flout the Abia State Basic Environmental Sanitation Laws.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, while addressing journalists after the October Monthly Sanitation Exercise held on Saturday.

Ogbonna explained that the decision followed persistent disregard for sanitation rules by traders, despite repeated appeals from the state government. He said the administration had shown enough leniency and would now adopt a firmer approach through legal enforcement.

“You heard me say it we’re going to put an arrangement in place and move the sanitation court to the Orie Ugba Market. By the time we get 10, 20, 30 persons, the lesson would have been taught,” he said.

The Commissioner further revealed that the government intends to strengthen enforcement of the Friday edition of the monthly sanitation exercise to ensure that it receives the same level of compliance as the last Saturday edition.

He stated that the Ministry would intensify monitoring, particularly in motor parks and markets, to sustain environmental cleanliness across the state.

Commending the 145 Battalion of the Nigerian Army stationed at Umuoriehi, Umuahia North LGA, Ogbonna appreciated their partnership with the Ministry, noting that soldiers actively participated in the sanitation exercise and would continue to support future ones.

He also lauded residents for their growing commitment to cleanliness, noting that more Abians were beginning to embrace the culture of keeping their surroundings clean without coercion.

“We’re happy. Abians, to a very great extent, are imbibing the culture of keeping the environment clean. We’re not there yet, but there’s great improvement. It’s not a government assignment alone it’s for every Abian and every resident. When your environment is clean, you are the one who benefits from it,” the Commissioner stated.

Also Speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba-Nwoke, praised residents for their active participation, noting that cleaner surroundings were already translating to better public health.

“I’m happy that Abians are keying in seriously. Our hospitals are becoming less crowded because we are living healthier lives. There’s always room for improvement, but we’re moving in the right direction,” he said, warning those who still loiter during sanitation hours to desist.

Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, also commended the October edition of the sanitation exercise, describing it as a significant improvement. She thanked security agencies, including the Police, for their support in monitoring compliance and warned that defaulters would face prosecution.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that out of 108 persons apprehended during the sanitation exercise, 12 were discharged on health grounds, while two were identified as students.