…Vows Renewed Drive for a Cleaner Aniocha South
By Oyem Jonathan
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, has declared zero tolerance for environmental sabotage, condemning the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels by some residents of Ishekpe Quarters, Ogwashi-Uku.
The chairman made the declaration Friday during an inspection tour of Ishekpe Roundabout and the Mini Market, where heaps of refuse were discovered at strategic locations, obstructing drainage channels and defacing the environment. The exercise formed Day Two of the Special Environmental Sanitation Exercise initiated by the council to improve sanitary conditions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment across Aniocha South.
He was accompanied during the inspection tour by the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Augustine Eboji, who is also the Head of Department of Environment; the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Environmental Task Force, Mr. Felix Ayinor (popularly known as Eke One Thousand Big Man); the Council Secretary, Supervisory Councillors, and other senior council officials.
Visibly displeased by the situation, Hon. Chukwunwike described the practice as irresponsible and a serious threat to public health, environmental sanitation, and flood control. He noted that using drainage channels as refuse dumps obstructs the free flow of stormwater, increases the risk of flooding, and creates breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms.
The council boss urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices and support the local government’s environmental sanitation initiatives by keeping their surroundings clean and hygienic.
He also advised masons, property owners, business operators, and residents who intend to construct access slabs across drainage channels to ensure that removable reinforced concrete drainage covers are installed instead of permanent structures.
According to him, such removable slabs will enable easy access for routine desilting, maintenance, and the prompt clearance of blockages caused by silt and refuse, thereby preserving the efficiency of the drainage system.
Hon. Chukwunwike warned that anyone found violating environmental sanitation regulations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, emphasizing that safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and healthier Aniocha South through sustained environmental monitoring, regular sanitation exercises, and the strict enforcement of environmental laws, stressing that the council would not relent until environmental abuse and indiscriminate waste disposal become things of the past across the local government area.
Also present throughout the inspection and sanitation exercise were the Vice Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government. Hon Patricia Ekwutozam Adolue Adolue, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon Leonard Nzemeke e, who is the host Councilor from Ward 2 , also joined to receive the Executive Chairman and his entourage. They commended Hon. Chukwunwike’s bold environmental initiative and unwavering commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, and healthier Aniocha South, noting that despite the scorching sun, he personally led and supervised the exercise from start to finish, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication to environmental sustainability.
