The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has swung into action, clearing a massive dump site that has plagued the Orie-Ntigha market in Isialangwa North LGA for over 15 years.

The evacuation effort, which began on Thursday, also targeted an illegal dump site inside the Ginger Samuel Amanaha Mini Stadium in Amapu Ntigha.

According to Ambrose Jonah, ASEPA’s Deputy General Manager for the Umuahia Zone, the refuse dumps posed a significant health risk, and the government’s intervention was crucial in preventing disease outbreaks.

The traditional ruler of Isiala Amapu Ntigha, Eze Jacob Akoma, had requested the state government’s urgent assistance, which was promptly approved by Governor Alex Otti.

To facilitate the evacuation, some market stores will be demolished to allow heavy machinery to remove the refuse to designated dump sites. ASEPA is urging residents to properly bag their waste, warning that the environmental court will prosecute offenders who litter or dump refuse indiscriminately.

Eze Akoma hailed the development as a significant benefit to the community, noting that previous administrations had neglected the issue despite collecting fees. Instead of providing adequate waste management, they supplied dilapidated buckets to the market. To prevent future dumping, the community plans to introduce a toll fee in collaboration with ASEPA.

This cleanup effort aligns with Governor Otti’s vision to make Abia State one of the cleanest in Nigeria, as highlighted in ASEPA’s sensitization campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.