Anambra begins enforcement against street trading, open defecation

The Anambra State government has determined to crack down on street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation, and urinating in unauthorised places by fully enforcing the provisions of the law.

The Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, Mr Celestine Anere, disclosed this to the press in Awka. He emphasised that the enforcement aims to protect the environment and ensure that buying and selling activities are conducted in dsignated market areas, not on the roads.

Anere also noted that the upcoming months leading to the yuletide season experience increased economic activities, which may tempt many traders to conduct business on major roads. To address this, the enforcement will be stricter, and he urged traders to conduct their transactions inside the markets. Defaulters will face arrest, and their goods will be confiscated by OCHA officers.

In addition to street trading, OCHA said it is ready to increase enforcement of the laws prohibiting indiscriminate refuse dumping, open defecation, and urinating in public places like parks and walkways. Individuals hosting social events during this period are encouraged to provide temporary or mobile toilets for their guests to prevent open defecation. The host of the event will face sanctions if these laws are violated during gatherings.

Anere urged residents to familiarise themselves with the state environmental laws to avoid punishment.