By Nkeiruka Innocent Ekeh
Residents of Odume, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on July 4, participated in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in compliance with the directive of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to keep the state clean by clearing gutters, drainages and other public spaces.
The residents turned out in large numbers to clean their surroundings, describing the exercise as vital to public health and the prevention of diseases associated with poor environmental hygiene.
Some residents, however, were seen attempting to circumvent the exercise by opening their shops while remaining on the lookout for enforcement officials before leaving the area.
Mr. Paul Nweze, a resident, commended the initiative, saying environmental cleanliness should be a civic responsibility rather than an obligation enforced by government.
According to him, many people only comply when compelled, making government intervention necessary to instill a culture of regular sanitation and environmental responsibility.
Another resident, Mr. Kosi Umeh, also praised the governor’s directive, noting that although the community had conducted a sanitation exercise the previous Saturday, the monthly exercise remained necessary.
He said many residents did not take the earlier exercise seriously and called for sustained enforcement and public sensitisation to improve compliance.
The monthly environmental sanitation exercise forms part of the Anambra State Government’s efforts to promote a cleaner, healthier environment and reduce the incidence of diseases associated with poor sanitation.
Nkeiruka Innocent Ekeh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
