The Operation Clean Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), through its Director, Chief Celestine Anere, has provided assorted mobile waste disposal bins in Onitsha and its environs.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
while distributing the waste bins at strategic locations in Onitsha, Anere, who was represented by Onitsha OCHA Brigade’s coordinator, Mr. Ejike Odife, emphasized that the purpose of providing the mobile waste bins at these locations was to encourage the public to properly dispose of used sachet water bags, used plastic water bottles, and other waste materials.
The cordinator also explained that the initiative aimed to ensure the environment remains free of litter, including all types of debris and unwanted materials, while preventing complaints from people who might otherwise claim they could not find a waste bin if they are apprehended by OCHA Brigade personnel.
Odife, the unit coordinator for Borromeo Roundabout, Upper Iweka to Bridge Head, Ogbaru Local Government, and Owerri Road, further disclosed that another objective of providing the mobile waste bins was to ease the burden on OCHA Brigade personnel and daily road sweepers.
He revealed that sachet water bags account for 70% of the waste materials that clog drainage channels and pollute the environment, noting that with the provision of waste bins, the littering of waste would be controlled and the environment kept clean.
Odife, however, clarified that specific individuals are responsible for the evacuation of the waste bins. He called on the general public to support the OCHA Brigade’s initiative to help achieve Governor Soludo’s goal of a Clean, Green, and Sustainable Anambra State.
He also used the opportunity to urge Ndi Anambra to ensure their drainages are desilted and to clean up any dirty areas around their surroundings. Additionally, he warned street traders to refrain from displaying their wares over gutters.
The Cordinator reminded the public that environmental health laws will be enforced against offenders and encouraged everyone to adhere to the existing environmental laws to avoid tarnishing the OCHA Brigade’s reputation.
“Environmental hygiene is not solely the responsibility of the OCHA Brigade; it is a collective responsibility for everyone.
“OCHA Brigade has distributed mobile waste bins in strategic locations to ensure that people have no excuse to dispose of waste improperly. Residents of Onitsha, and especially visitors to Anambra State, should take note of this development.
“Everyone should come together to keep our environment clean. No one is expected to evacuate the waste bins; just place waste materials inside the bins. There are designated individuals responsible for evacuating the waste daily.
“Law must take its course against anyone who dumps waste or litters the environment with debris, dumps waste into gutters, engages in open defecation, or urinates in unauthorized places. Additionally, this is the time for operation desilt your gutters, as the rainy season is fast approaching, and flooding may cause havoc.
“We once again urge the general public to comply with the environmental health laws in Anambra State, just as in any other state in the federation. Anambra State is no exception. The OCHA Brigade will not tolerate any attempts to disobey state environmental laws,” Odife warned.
“We are grateful to Professor Soludo for his efforts in repositioning the state, as well as to the State Director of OCHA Brigade, Chief Celestine Anere, for providing the waste bins to enhance the OCHA Brigade’s duties in the state,” Odife added.
