The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has commenced a house-to-house waste and garbage collection initiative. The move will enhance sanitation, manage waste effectively, protect the environment, and prevent the spread of environmentally-borne diseases,

Offenders and violators of the state’s environmental laws, particularly those related to waste disposal, will be subject to immediate prosecution by the Mobile Courts already deployed across the state.

The daily waste collection exercise, for which approximately 30 trucks of varying sizes and capacities have been procured at around N115 million, will cover residential estates, government secretariats, markets, schools, and other public spaces.

Ambrose Jonah, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of ASEPA’s Umuahia Zone, disclosed the initiative during a briefing with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He emphasised that the exercise aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision to maintain a clean and safe environment in Abia State.

Jonah also revealed that further innovations are in the pipeline, including introducing polyethene bags in three distinct colours to categorise different types of waste. This will ensure efficient sorting of waste before collection by mobile trucks.

In addition, Jonah highlighted plans to recycle collected waste, converting it into other useful forms. This practice is expected to create employment opportunities and support the establishment of related industries.

He urged residents to support Governor Otti’s environmental vision by adopting responsible waste disposal practices and complying with the initiative to avoid prosecution by the Mobile Courts.