Awka South Cracks Down on Waste Dumping Around New Anambra Govt House

The Awka South Local Government Council has commenced an intensive enforcement and public awareness campaign aimed at maintaining a clean and healthy environment around the newly constructed Anambra State Government House. This initiative is in response to growing concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal in the vicinity.

The Executive Chairman of Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor, led a team of sanitation officers to the Government House and its surroundings, warning against illegal dumping of refuse. 

He stressed that any individual caught disposing waste improperly will face strict penalties.

“We have concluded plans to strategically place waste bins throughout the area to ensure that residents and visitors dispose of their waste responsibly,”  “Anyone found dumping refuse indiscriminately will be fined ₦50,000.” Mayor stated.

He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a top priority, especially given the elevated status of the new Government House, dubbed the “Light of the Nation.”

“We discovered several illegal dumping sites around the new Government House. Our team is here to clear those sites and educate the public. After our awareness campaign, we will commence full enforcement. This place must be clean and orderly,” Okafor said.

The Mayor also revealed that the Council will deploy additional waste receptacles across Awka South, not just around the Government House, as part of its wider mandate to promote a green and sustainable environment.

He issued a stern warning to scavengers who rummage through bagged waste in search of scrap metal.

“These individuals are contributing to the mess. Anyone caught tampering with properly bagged refuse at designated sites will also be fined ₦50,000.”he said.

In a related appeal, the Mayor urged Awka South residents to bag their waste properly and ensure timely payment of sanitation fees. He cautioned against making cash payments to individuals, advising residents to obtain the official council account number for direct bank payments.

“Anyone who gives cash to an individual claiming to collect sanitation fees has simply gifted them money,” he warned.

Supporting the initiative, Comrade Osita Obi, Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, expressed strong backing for the council’s efforts.

 “It is unacceptable for people to dump refuse indiscriminately near the new Government House,” “When the Mayor found out I reside near the area, he invited me to join the campaign. No one has the right to generate waste and discard it on the streets. The Mayor has promised to hire more hands and vehicles to ensure the cleanliness of this environment. This Government House must reflect dignity.”he said. 

Obi praised the Mayor for his proactive response and for introducing proper waste receptacles in the area. 

He reiterated that the upgraded status of the Government House makes it a symbol of pride for all citizens.

Mr. Okechukwu Ndigwe, Coordinator of the Debe Awka Ocha sanitation initiative, also emphasized the urgency of the clean-up.

 “Our top priority is to evacuate all accumulated waste, and this will be done daily, every morning,” he said. “The Government House is a special location that must not tolerate environmental degradation.”he said.

He added that a comprehensive awareness campaign will begin next week, focusing on waste management practices and the importance of timely sanitation payments. 

“We will educate the people on how to properly package their waste, and after our sensitization campaign, we will strictly enforce the regulations. Defaulters will face appropriate sanctions,” he said.

Ndigwe also announced that more street sweepers will be employed to maintain cleanliness around the Government House and adjoining streets. “The Council is fully committed to keeping this environment spotless,” he assured.