In a renewed effort to enhance cleanliness and orderliness in Aba’s bustling commercial centers, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba Zone, convened a strategic meeting with market leaders held at ASEPA’s office located at No. 9 Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba. The session was presided over by ASEPA’s Deputy General Manager, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, and centered on four core pillars: public sensitization, behavioral reorientation, enforcement of environmental laws, and the implementation of a new sanitation fee system.
“Aba Markets Must Regain Their Shine” – Elder Ezengwa
Elder Ezengwa delivered a firm yet constructive message regarding the deteriorating state of Aba’s markets and the alarming rise in roadside trading. He underscored that these issues pose a serious threat to the city’s reputation as the “Japan of Africa” and its status as a major commercial hub.
“We’ve made progress cleaning up many streets in Aba, but our next priority is the markets, key economic engines that have unfortunately become hotspots for poor hygiene and misinformation,” he stated.
Markets such as Tonimas Junction were specifically highlighted as areas requiring urgent intervention in terms of waste management and overall cleanliness.
Partnership Over Policing: A Collaborative Approach
Elder Ezengwa emphasized that sustainable change cannot be enforced from the outside alone. He called for a strong partnership between ASEPA and market leadership, recognizing their critical role in influencing traders and enforcing standards within their domains.
“You know your markets better than anyone. Real transformation will only happen when we work together, not in isolation,” he told the gathered executives.
Introducing the Sanitation Fee Framework
A major highlight of the meeting was the official announcement of a new sanitation fee structure, introduced under the directive of the Abia State Government and to be administered through Access Bank. This initiative aims to fund regular waste evacuation and maintain essential sanitation infrastructure.
Elder Okezie Ezengwa asked Market leaders to begin educating their members ahead of the enumeration and sanitation fee collection which must be paid to the disgnated government account and reemphasized that no one should pay cash to anyone
From Buckets to Compactors: Modernizing Waste Management
When some leaders requested an increase in the number of waste bins, Elder Ezengwa responded with a broader vision aligned with global best practices.
“In cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, you won’t find waste buckets littered everywhere. What you’ll see is discipline — people bag their trash and dispose of it at designated collection points.”
He noted that while buckets remain necessary in certain parts of Aba due to current behavioral patterns, the long-term objective is to transition to a more efficient compactor-based system.
“One compactor truck can carry the equivalent of three waste bins. It’s not just cleaner — it’s more cost-effective and time-saving.”
The DGM ASEPA Aba zone Elder Okezie Ezengwa also retracted the need for all store owners in the market to own the approved Asepa bucket sold for N6,500 only
Acknowledging Past Challenges, Committing to Progress
Elder Ezengwa also addressed concerns about delayed debris clearance, particularly on St. Michael’s Road. While admitting past shortcomings, he assured attendees that ASEPA is committed to improving response times and coordination across agencies.
“Sometimes we step in where others fall short — after all, it’s still one government. But moving forward, we are focused on better planning and quicker action.”
The DGM commended certain markets that have taken proactive steps by pooling resources to hire private waste haulers (Tipers) for garbage removal. He described such initiatives as exemplary models of community-driven sanitation efforts.
“Ultimately, this is a shared responsibility. You’re not doing this for the government — you’re doing it for your health, your environment, and the success of your businesses.”
Looking Ahead: Toward a Cleaner Aba
As Aba strives to reclaim its position as a clean, organized, and thriving commercial center, the collaboration between ASEPA and market stakeholders will play a pivotal role. The agency’s message was clear: this initiative is not about penalties, but about progress.
Elder Ezengwa concluded by reaffirming that upcoming sanitation exercises will reflect lessons learned and serve as a foundation for continuous improvement.
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