By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia Plans Neighbourhood Environmental Watch to Strengthen Community Sanitation
The Abia State Government has announced plans to establish Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation and encourage greater community participation in keeping the state clean.
The disclosure was made during the July monthly sanitation exercise by the Permanent Secretary of the Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa, who represented the Commissioner for Environment. He spoke with journalists shortly after the clean-up exercise held at the High Court Complex in Umuahia.
Oriuwa expressed satisfaction with the level of participation recorded during the July sanitation exercise, describing the turnout of residents as encouraging and a clear indication that more Abians are embracing the culture of environmental cleanliness.
According to him, the next major step for the ministry is to establish Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups across communities. He explained that the initiative would empower residents to take ownership of sanitation efforts within their localities and promote a stronger sense of responsibility for maintaining clean surroundings.
He noted that community-based environmental watch groups would help sustain the gains already recorded through the monthly sanitation programme by ensuring that environmental cleanliness becomes a continuous responsibility rather than a once-a-month activity.
The Permanent Secretary urged residents to support the environmental vision of Governor Alex Otti by actively participating in sanitation activities and promoting a cleaner environment across the state.
Oriuwa stated that Governor Otti had consistently emphasised that every sector of his administration must deliver results, adding that the Ministry of Environment remains committed to playing its role in achieving a healthier and cleaner Abia.
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He further reminded residents that Abia is proudly known as “God’s Own State” and stressed that maintaining a clean environment reflects that identity. Quoting the popular saying that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” he called on all Abians to work together in preserving a healthy, safe and attractive environment for everyone.
