BY Karen James
In a bid to support Governor Charles Soludo’s vision for a Clean, Green, and Sustainable Anambra State, the Operation Clean Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, under the leadership of its State Director, Chief Celestine Anere, has distributed mobile waste disposal bins across Onitsha and its environs. The initiative aims to combat littering and ensure proper waste management within the state.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Anere during the distribution exercise, Mr. Ejike Odife, an OCHA Brigade coordinator, emphasized the critical role of the bins in promoting environmental hygiene. The strategically placed bins are intended for the disposal of sachet water bags, plastic water bottles, and other waste materials, which often contribute to pollution and blocked drainage systems.
“The primary goal of this initiative is to provide residents and visitors with accessible options for waste disposal, leaving no room for excuses for littering,” Odife said. “With this development, we hope to keep our streets and drainages free of waste while reducing the workload for OCHA Brigade personnel and road sweepers.”
Odife highlighted that sachet water bags make up about 70% of waste materials clogging drainage channels. By ensuring that these materials are disposed of properly, the OCHA Brigade aims to mitigate environmental pollution and control flooding risks as the rainy season approaches.
The bins, he clarified, will be emptied by designated individuals, urging the public to focus solely on utilizing the bins rather than worrying about evacuation logistics. Residents were also reminded of their collective responsibility to maintain clean surroundings, with specific calls to desilt gutters and avoid littering.
Street traders were cautioned against displaying wares over drainage channels, and Odife reiterated the enforcement of environmental health laws against offenders. “No one is above the law,” he stated. “The OCHA Brigade will enforce strict penalties for anyone caught dumping waste improperly, engaging in open defecation, or urinating in unauthorized areas.”
Odife also acknowledged the leadership of Governor Soludo and Chief Celestine Anere for their commitment to repositioning the state. “Their efforts in providing these waste bins have significantly enhanced the ability of the OCHA Brigade to achieve its mission of a cleaner and healthier Anambra State,” he added.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to embrace the initiative and play their part in ensuring a litter-free Anambra, contributing to the state’s overarching goal of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
