Open Defecation, Urination in Unauthorized Places Still Banned in Anambra — OCHA BRIGADE

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA BRIGADE) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of environmental abuse across the state, alleging that many of the offenders are visitors from neighbouring states.
The agency claimed that while these visitors observe proper sanitation practices in their respective states, they often disregard Anambra’s environmental laws upon entering the state.
In a statement made available to journalists, OCHA BRIGADE reiterated that the law prohibiting open defecation and urination in unauthorized places remains fully in force across Anambra State.
“Anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” the agency stated.
It expressed concern over the growing incidence of environmental violations, particularly among travellers and visitors passing through the state. According to the agency, investigations indicate that many offenders from neighbouring states deliberately ignore Anambra’s sanitation regulations despite being aware of them.
OCHA BRIGADE urged all visitors to familiarise themselves with the state’s environmental guidelines and to make inquiries about designated public conveniences whenever necessary.
“OCHA BRIGADE is warning anybody visiting Anambra State to always ask where to urinate or defecate. There are designated places meant for that purpose in markets, motor parks, and along major roads,” the statement said.
The agency also cautioned commercial drivers, traders, commuters, and other road users against indiscriminate disposal of refuse, particularly in drainage channels, as well as urinating along roadsides and other unauthorized locations.
“If you are pressed, ask people where to urinate. Do not litter Anambra’s environment with waste. Keep used sachet water nylon, plastic bottles, cans, biscuit wrappers, and other refuse inside your vehicle until you find the nearest waste bin. At Upper Iweka, Onitsha, mobile waste bins have been strategically positioned for public use,” OCHA BRIGADE warned.
The agency emphasized that maintaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally sustainable Anambra is a collective responsibility that benefits both residents and visitors.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the strict enforcement of environmental sanitation laws and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at keeping the state clean in line with the environmental vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
OCHA BRIGADE also appealed to members of the public to report anyone found violating environmental laws to the nearest OCHA BRIGADE office, stressing that offenders should be held accountable for their actions.
“Government has been spending, and continues to spend, huge amounts of money on environmental sanitation and cleanliness, yet some people still fail to take responsibility for protecting the environment,” the statement added.