In a renewed push to improve sanitation across Aba’s bustling commercial centers, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has urged market leaders to take decisive action in maintaining cleanliness within their domains.
The directive was issued during a recent stakeholders’ meeting held at ASEPA’s office located at No. 9 Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba, where representatives from various markets were brought together to address persistent environmental challenges in trading zones.
Elder Okezie Ezengwa, Deputy General Manager of ASEPA (Aba Zone), praised general improvements in the city’s environment but expressed concern over the poor sanitary state of market areas.
“The markets are currently the dirtiest part of our city,” Ezengwa said. “We cannot afford to overlook this issue any longer.”
He emphasized that market leaders bear significant responsibility in ensuring hygiene standards are upheld and warned that failure to comply with new directives may result in serious consequences.
“Any market leader whose market shows no improvement will be reported to the Governor for possible suspension,” he stated firmly.
Strategic Initiatives to Improve Market Sanitation
As part of its comprehensive strategy to tackle these challenges, ASEPA announced plans to conduct an environmental evaluation of Aba’s major markets. The assessment aims to identify key pollution and waste management issues and formulate targeted solutions tailored to each market’s needs.
Additionally, ASEPA is set to begin collecting a designated sanitation fee through a formal partnership with Access Bank, under the supervision of the state government’s revenue collection agency. Ezengwa assured traders that the process would be transparent and free from harassment.
“No individual agent has been sent to collect fees this year. All payments must go directly into official government accounts. Dont pay to anybody, Beware of fraudsters,” he cautioned.
To support improved waste disposal practices, the agency also introduced affordable, specially designed waste buckets for traders. These bins are intended to reduce littering and promote responsible waste management across all marketplaces.
“We encourage every trader to acquire these buckets to support our shared goal of cleaner, healthier markets,” Ezengwa added.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Market leaders at the meeting responded positively to ASEPA’s proposals, pledging full cooperation in implementing the new measures. Representatives from trade associations such as Ahia Ohuru, Ariaria International market, Eziukwu International market, Shopping center e.t.c expressed appreciation for ASEPA’s proactive engagement and affirmed their commitment to enhancing market hygiene. Below is the list of market leaders at the meeting and their respective markets :
-Com.Bob Ekeleme (Salad Market)
-Mr Destiny James Chukwuemeka (Ahia Nkwo Market Abayi)
-Engr.Nduka.C. (Ariaria International Market)
-Mr Joseph.C.Ugoala (Umuola Egbelu Ehere Market)
-Mr Anthony Nnanna (Micro Plaza,Enyimba Express way)
-Mr Chukwudi Okeke (Asannentu Market)
-Mr Molokwu Theo (Uratta Integrated Market)
-Mr Okechukwu Madu (Ama-Ogbonna Market)
-Mr Samuel Nwankwo (Ariaria Shoe Plaza)
-Mr Okechukwu Onuh (Eke Oha shopping centre)
-Chief Godson Eze (Ehere Market)
Destiny James Chukwuemeka representing Ahia nkwo Abayi traders association who spoke during the meeting pleaded with the agency to give their market a day when the compactor truck will come and help them evacuate their waste
“In my our market, we are petty traders and deal more on food items, we need a specified day when the trucks will come so that after our sanitation it can help us vacate it” He said
Joseph C.O Kalu from 7up market spoke on the size of the Asepa bucket and asked for biggrr one or a more efficient ways to collect their waste from the market inisting the bucket was small
Reacting to Him Elder Okezie Ezengwa said the bucket is a law of the state innacted by the state house of assembly and can’t be changed , he explained futher that the bucket is for each shop not for general use
Another market leader called for increased distribution of the ASEPA waste bins inside market premises, noting that only a few were visible in the surrounding areas.
“We need more buckets inside the market, not just along the roads,” he requested.
The meeting concluded on a collaborative note, with all parties agreeing to work hand-in-hand to ensure long-term improvements in sanitation across Aba’s markets.
This joint effort marks a significant step forward in the ongoing mission to transform Aba into a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable city for residents and traders alike.
