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The Abia State Government has announced plans to establish a mobile sanitation court at Orie Ugba Market and other defiant areas to prosecute defaulters who trade or engage in activities that contravene the Abia State Sanitation Law.
The Abia Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, made this revelation on Saturday while addressing traders at Orie Ugba Market.
He condemned the attitude of traders who continue trading during the sanitation exercise, stating that their actions are tantamount to betraying and sabotaging the Abia State Sanitation Law.
Mr. Ogbonna emphasized that the state government, under Governor Alex Otti, will no longer tolerate acts of sabotage. He noted that traders have been given sufficient time to comply with the Abia State Sanitation Law, which prohibits trading activities during sanitation exercises.
The Commissioner reiterated that the state government is determined to ensure full compliance with the sanitation exercise across the state.
He announced plans to establish mobile courts in areas showing resistance to the cleanup exercise.
Mr. Ogbonna also expressed disapproval of young boys playing football during sanitation, describing their actions as youthful exuberance.
He urged parents to caution their children and promised that the state government would soon find ways to address this issue.
On the overall setup and success of the exercise in August, the Commissioner commended Abians for adopting the culture of keeping their surroundings clean. He urged traders at Orie Ugba and other areas to improve their efforts, emphasizing that cleanliness is paramount.
The Commissioner praised participating NGOs, including the Young African Leaders Initiative, Green Abia Project, and Umuahia Diamond Club, for supporting the state government’s efforts to keep the environment clean. He encouraged them to continue their good work.
On his part, Kalu Mba Nwoke, member representing Ohafia South State Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment and Urban Renewal, called for an amendment to the Abia State Sanitation Law to impose stiffer penalties on those conducting business during sanitation exercises.
Southeastposts.com, reports that 76 defaulters were arrested and arrigned before the mobile sanitation court.
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