Abia State House of Assembly Committee chairman on Environment and Urban Renewal, Kalu Mba Nwoke has told the people of the state that their environment can enhance or mar their health and business.
Nwoke spoke to LEADERSHIP while monitoring last Saturday’s environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia, the state capital, urging them to engage in regular sanitation of their environment.
“Our environment speaks volumes about the way we care about our health and business, hence the need for us to keep it healthy,” said the member for the Ohafia South constituency.
Reacting to the arrest and prosecution of over 50 violators of the exercise, he described them as unpatriotic, noting that their experience should serve as deterrent to others.
“This is a New Abia led by Governor Alex Otti. All hands must be on deck for us to take the state to the desired destination without distraction,” he added.
Similarly, while addressing journalists at Orie Ugba Market, the commissioner for Environment, Philmone Ogbonna noted with dismay the poor sanitary condition of the environment.
Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Ikechukwu Oriuwa, Ogbonna wondered how people could freely conduct businesses in and around the environment.
The commissioner noted with worry that despite extensive sensitization by the ministry on the need for residents of the state to come out for the exercise, some failed to comply.
“Henceforth,” he warned “the ministry will not condone noncompliance with the exercise and will ensure defaulters are dealt with according to the state’s Environmental Laws.”
