Ocha Brigade MD Leads Operation to Decongest Illegal Street Trading in Onitsha

The Managing Director of Operation Keep Anambra Clean and Healthy (Ocha Brigade), Comrade Celestine Anere, has led a major enforcement operation aimed at decongesting the Main Market and Ochanja Market areas of illegal street trading, unlawful structures, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse inside drainage channels.

During the operation, Anere explained that contravention notices were issued to several shops and plazas found to be disposing waste directly into gutters, a practice that has repeatedly blocked drainage systems and contributed to flooding in the commercial areas.

He said that the Ocha Brigade is now fully committed to strict enforcement of Anambra State environmental laws without exceptions. According to him, traders and individuals who obstruct drainage channels or violate sanitation regulations will face the full weight of the law.

“We are out to fully enforce the environmental laws. This time, we will not entertain excuses from anyone who violates them,” he stated.
Anere added that while Governor Chukwuma Soludo is working tirelessly to create a cleaner and healthier environment for residents, “some individuals remain bent on sabotaging the governor’s good work, and such actions can no longer be tolerated in the state.”

The Ocha Brigade MD further urged traders to ensure their surroundings especially their drainage areas are kept clean at all times.

He also warned traders to stop displaying goods along roadways, as such actions worsen traffic congestion and endanger public safety.