In a continued effort to make Aba a cleaner and more livable city, the Deputy general manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa on Monday held an engagement meeting with key members of the business community including hoteliers, importers, and scrap dealers.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, ensuring environmental compliance, and encouraging support for the newly approved ASEPA levies by the state government led by His Excellency Dr Alex Otti OFR.
Speaking during the session, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA Aba zone Elder Okezie Ezengwa emphasized the shared responsibility of both government and citizens in protecting the environment and improving the feat achieved so far by the agency in keeping the once labeled dirtiest city to what it is today
“If we destroy our environment, we’ll pay the price. But if we preserve it, we and even our unborn children will enjoy it,” he said.
He also addressed growing concerns over the improper disposal of human waste by some hotels, revealing that inspections had uncovered cases of sewage being discharged directly onto newly constructed roads and drains.
ASEPA announced that going forward, there will be routine inspections of septic tanks, and businesses must secure the required environmental approvals.
“We’re not here to fight anyone, We’re here to partner with you. But the law must be respected, and we expect your support.” the DGM added.
Representing Aba importers, Prince Edmond Diwe commended ASEPA for the city’s improved sanitation praising the deputy general manager and his team and most importantly the governor for assembling this progressive team and thanked the governor for delivering on the mandate.
“The image of Aba has changed. It’s cleaner, and we’re proud of that, and because we love good things , we pledge to support ASEPA and the government in any way possible” he said.
He, however, called for the return of street to street waste collection trucks and the installation of small bins along the streets, similar to what is seen in cities like Calabar and Uyo to help maintain cleanliness in public areas.
Scrap dealers, often unrecognized for their efforts, also shared how their daily work of collecting plastics and debris contributes to city sanitation.
“We’re like ASEPA too. We clean up the streets in our own way,” one representative noted.
Representatives of the business community appealed to ASEPA to engage the Governor on their behalf for a more moderate billing structure, citing the current economic challenges and the need to remain in business.
In response, ASEPA deputy General manager Aba zone, Elder Okezie explained that the approved rates were determined after careful benchmarking with neighboring states and that Abia’s charges remain the lowest in the region. He added that the final decision was reached by the Governor following due diligence and consideration of the nation’s economic realities.
The session ended with a promise of more periodic meetings, stronger enforcement, and greater cooperation between ASEPA and the business community. Contact information for ASEPA’s task force was also shared to allow for quicker reporting of environmental violations.
With shared commitment and mutual accountability, Aba is steadily charting a new course toward a cleaner, healthier future for residents, businesses, and generations to come.
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