ASEPA DGM: “Aba Residents Must Lead the Fight Against those defacing Aba with dirts, don’t leave it for government alone”

In a candid and passionate media briefing held at the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) yard in Aba, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, Deputy General Manager of ASEPA, Aba Zone, delivered a strong message that resonated beyond policy discussions. Addressing members of the press and media partners, Elder Ezengwa emphasized that the fight against environmental degradation cannot be won without the active participation of Aba residents.

“Aba Residents Must Lead the Fight Against Littering and Environmental Neglect,” he declared, setting the tone for what would become an appeal to civic responsibility and collective ownership.

Illustrating his point, Elder Ezengwa recounted an inspiring initiative in Harare, Zimbabwe, where residents actively shamed litterers by clapping and chanting “Keep Harare Clean,” turning social pressure into a powerful deterrent.

“We want to build that same spirit in Aba. We want a city where every citizen becomes an ASEPA agent, correcting others and owning the responsibility to keep Aba clean,” he said.

During the interactive session, the DGM addressed a range of pressing environmental issues—from illegal dumpsites and unregulated public toilets to poor waste disposal by tricycle operators, commercial vehicles, and roadside traders. While he acknowledged the progress ASEPA has made, he stressed that enforcement alone is not enough.

“There’s a limit to how much our monitoring teams can do. We need everyone to get involved. If you see someone throwing waste from a moving vehicle, tell them to stop. If someone in your neighborhood is dumping refuse into the gutter when it rains, report it. You can even do so anonymously—we’ll act,” Elder Ezengwa stated.

He also responded to concerns about unauthorized public toilets and informal refuse dumps in areas lacking proper waste infrastructure.

“That’s not acceptable. We’re working on deploying compactors and rerouting waste trucks to underserved areas. But communities must also do their part,” he added.

When asked about ASEPA drivers allegedly violating traffic laws, Elder Ezengwa was unequivocal. “Our staff are not above the law. If you see our truck breaking the law, record it. Send it to us. They’ll be held accountable,” he affirmed.

Ultimately, the briefing was more than a status update—it was a call to action. Elder Ezengwa made it clear that ASEPA alone cannot transform Aba. What is required is a cultural shift toward environmental responsibility shared by all.

“We want our people to stop seeing cleanliness as the government’s job. It’s our collective duty. Because when one person litters, they embarrass the rest of us living in Aba or working to keep Aba clean,” he concluded.