By Mark Chukwu
ASEPA vows to evacuate a massive refuse heap at Orieugba Market as Deputy GM promises cleanup, disease prevention, and trader sensitization.
The Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, has pledged to dismantle and evacuate a large heap of refuse discovered at Orieugba Market.
Jonah made this commitment on Saturday after personally inspecting the dump site, following reports raised during routine sanitation exercises by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, and a member of the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Kanu Mba.
Describing the refuse heap as an environmental eyesore and a potential health hazard, the ASEPA official stressed that urgent action was necessary to prevent the outbreak of diseases within the market and surrounding areas. He expressed concern that such an old and massive dump site had existed for years without being reported to the agency.
According to Jonah, ASEPA had never received any formal complaint or notification about the refuse buildup, a situation he found troubling given the risks involved. He therefore urged market leaders and traders to promptly report environmental issues requiring government intervention rather than allowing them to escalate.
“I honestly did not expect to still find such a huge refuse hill here. This dump has obviously been here for many years, yet no one informed our office,” he said.
The Deputy General Manager assured traders that ASEPA would begin evacuation of the refuse heap by Monday, with plans to clear the site completely for the benefit of those doing business in the market. He added that after the cleanup, the agency would ensure daily waste evacuation at Orieugba Market, similar to what is done in other parts of the city.
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Jonah also announced that ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, would soon carry out a sensitization campaign within the market. The exercise is aimed at educating traders on proper waste disposal practices and encouraging consistent use of designated waste receptacles to maintain a clean and healthy environment.