By Okey Maduforo Awka.
Landlords , shanty owners, sand minners and street traders have been issued with a 48 hour ultimatum to remove their structures and clear off the streets as the Operation Clean Healthy Anambra aka Ocha Brigandage commences massive demolition of illegal structures in major towns in the area.
Also members of households that do not have septic tanks dismissing wastes into the major roads there by blocking the water channels would be arrested and prosecuted.
Similarly, street traders blocking major roads in those towns shall also be arrested and prosecuted while their goods shall be confiscated by the Brigade.
Already Mobile Courts have also been established in those towns for quick dispensation of justice and those found guilty may either go to jail or made to pay heavy penalty.
This is coming as the agency had concluded the recruitment of additional 200 personnel to ensure the effective execution of the demolition.
The Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in his office, stressing the agency’s renewed commitment to keeping Anambra State clean and healthy.
Anere expressed dissatisfaction with the rate at which some residents still engage in public urination and defecation, especially along the streets of Onitsha.
He stated that the Brigade would no longer tolerate such acts, particularly around the Head Bridge and the Upper Iweka axis, where public toilets have already been constructed.
According to him, he would not entertain calls from anyone pleading on behalf of offenders arrested for public urination or defecation.
“It is an offence to urinate or defecate in an open place. If we catch you, we will take you straight to court, and you will pay whatever fine the court imposes. I will not listen to pleas, regardless of anyone’s status. Both Ocha Brigade and Ndi Anambra must work together to keep the state clean and healthy. We will go on radio and television in the next five days to inform the public before full enforcement begins,” he said.
Anere further explained that the agency would clamp down on individuals who jump into gutters or dispose of human waste and refuse inside drains, actions which he described as serious environmental and health hazards.
“We will not tolerate such acts anymore. People must learn to obey environmental laws,” he added.
He also revealed that Ocha Brigade would intensify enforcement against street trading in Eke Awka, Onitsha, and other locations across the state, noting that the law empowers the Brigade to arrest street traders and charge them to court. He lamented that the agency had previously been too lenient, which is why compliance among residents has remained low.
The MD stated that the Brigade would work closely with the police to ensure effective arrests and prosecutions.
“For us to achieve a clean and healthy Anambra, everyone must pay attention to their surroundings and keep them clean. A healthy environment is only possible when we maintain proper sanitation,” he said.
He added that the agency would take strict action against those who dump waste into gutters, especially during the rainy season.
Anere disclosed that the Brigade would monitor various local government areas to ensure that contractors assigned to evacuate waste do so promptly.
“It is part of our mandate to ensure that those responsible for waste evacuation do their job immediately and properly. When they evacuate waste, they must ensure the area is left clean and not littered with debris. We will also require all Keke drivers, bus drivers, and tipper operators to stop throwing trash out of their vehicles. We will enforce the rule that every vehicle must have a waste container. Tipper drivers must ensure their loads—such as sand and other materials—are properly covered while moving anywhere in the state.”he said.
He stressed that Ocha Brigade would begin full enforcement of all environmental laws in the state.
“It will not be easy for us, and it will not be easy for offenders. But what we are saying is simple: everyone should obey the environmental laws. If residents comply, we won’t need to enforce; but if they disobey, we will enforce strictly. We want all Anambra residents to adhere to the laws completely because we are now coming out in full force.”he said.
Anere also referenced an executive order issued by the governor banning sand mining in Ekwulobia, Ogbu, Oko, Nnaka, and Amaokpala. He advised tipper drivers and sand miners to obtain approval from the relevant authorities before mining at any location.
“Any site without a valid permit will be shut down by Ocha Brigade. Enough is enough. We cannot continue to build new roads only for them to be destroyed by unauthorized mining activities within months. We urge tipper associations to educate their members so they do not fall victim to our enforcement,” he warned.
He stated that the Brigade would also be firm in enforcing the desilting of drainage channels across the state due to the health risks posed by blocked culverts.
“We will double our efforts. We have discovered that many culverts are blocked, and we will ensure they are reopened to allow the free flow of water.” he added.
He appealed to residents to assist Ocha Brigade by reporting individuals who channel wastewater improperly or engage in other activities that degrade the environment.
