Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA , has commenced the evacuation of heaps of refuse dumped around Orie-Ntigha market in Isialangwa North LGA.
The evacuation which started on Thursday, was extended to an illegal refuse dump site inside Ginger Samuel Amanaha Mini Stadium in Amapu Ntigha.
Explaining the rescue operation, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Ambrose Jonah said the refuse dumps have been there for a long time and could have resulted to an outbreak of disease if not for the government’s intervention.
He disclosed that the traditional ruler of Isiala Amapu Ntigha autonomous community, Eze Jacob Akoma, had written to the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency calling for the state government’s urgent intervention, adding that Governor Alex Otti approved the evacuation job.
He maintained that some of the stores in the market will be pulled down to enable earth moving machines to evacuate the refuse to appropriate dump sites and therefore advised people to ensure that they bag their refuse as the environmental court has been equipped to prosecute offenders, including those dropping refuse indiscriminately.
Speaking during the evacuation, the traditional ruler of Isiala Amapu Ntigha autonomous community, Eze Jacob Akoma described the development as as one of biggest benefits received by the community from the government.
Eze Akoma disclosed that the mountainous refuse had been there for over 15 years but was ignored by past administrations.
The traditional ruler added that the previous administrations collected fees but supplied dilapidated buckets to the market and assured that the community in collaboration with ASEPA will institute a toll fee to ensure regular evacuation of refuse.