By Kennedy Aniedozie
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has directed the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade to intensify enforcement of environmental laws across the state.
Aguiyi gave the directive during a strategic meeting with zonal commanders and heads of the brigade in Awka on Aug. 31.
He described the OCHA Brigade as the “environmental police” of the state and charged its personnel to operate strictly within their statutory mandate and the policies of the Ministry of Environment.
The commissioner said enforcement should be prioritised in major environmental hotspots, particularly Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi.
He identified blocked drainages, closed catchment pits, poor sanitation, illegal structures and shanties, street trading and other environmental nuisances as areas requiring urgent attention.
Aguiyi also called for innovative measures to address roadside parking, urging businesses to provide adequate parking spaces rather than obstruct public roads.
He, however, cautioned enforcement officers against abuse of power and urged them to discharge their duties responsibly and professionally.
The commissioner said the renewed enforcement drive was aimed at strengthening environmental management and promoting sustainable environmental practices across the state.
The Acting Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Comrade Agbuafune Anthony, assured the commissioner of the agency’s readiness to implement the renewed enforcement agenda.
Kennedy Aniedozie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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