Oba Community Strategize against Open defecation, littering and Street Trading
By Uzo Ugwunze
Oba Community in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State has declared war against Open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse declaring that defaulters would be penalized starting from January 2022.
The community also urged major street traders to take up shops at Alaba International market,Oba and Anambra International market,Oba which have been underutilized.
Speaking at Oba Civic center, the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU) President General, Rev Chris Emelie stressed on the importance of healthy environment saying that a taskforce has been set up to enforce environmental sanitation.
“We cannot boast of a good environment in Oba today. Gradually we are targeting a healthy environment. We have put in place a regular sanitation exercise at the Afor-Uzo Oba market. The traders can testify of a cleaner environment.
“Dumping of refuse even human feces wrapped in cellophane papers have become a common practice. Starting from this year 2022, it is an offence to throw refuse into drainages or litter the environment indiscriminately.
“People processing fowls for commercial purposes are known for indiscriminate dumping of their generated wastes at road sides Anyone caught henceforth will pay a fine to be pronounced by the Sanitation taskforce.
“We have contracted an expert who treat animal dung with chemical that checks degradation and prevent odour, although the butchers are yet to comply.
“We believe we can achieve a clean environment if only people will imbibe simple discipline. The butchers have till end of February to comply or leave their present location,” Rev Emelie warned.
Concerning the Alaba/Oba international market and Anambra International market, Oba, the PG stated: “OPU has held several meetings with the Market Association and the three concerned villages and reached a consensus that the market should take off”.
“We are also of the opinion that some businesses done on the major roads of Oba especially Building materials dealers like rods and planks which its movements constitute life hazards to road users should go into those markets immediately”, said Emelie
Rev. Emelie further thanked NdiOba for making the vision to purchase a land for a Igwe EzeOkpoko Central permanent palace a reality.
He urged Oba people to assist in completing the Oba Highcourt to avoid its relocation from Oba Community adding that people should also help to actualize the Oba Burial ground project at Okwu Idemili which has been long overdue.
Speaking on Security, after lauding the Odimma Oba forum for their immense contribution to Oba Vigilante, Rev. Emelie solicited for more funding saying that OPU has established insurance for registered Security personnel.
“Up to the tune of 1 million naira is accrueable to any security man in the case of fatal mishap”, Emelie quipped.
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