Abia Govt Unveils Neighbourhood Environmental Watch Initiative to Boost Community Sanitation

Abia Govt Unveils Neighbourhood Environmental Watch Initiative to Boost Community Sanitation

The Abia State Government has announced plans to establish a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch as part of a renewed strategy to strengthen environmental sanitation and encourage residents to take ownership of keeping their communities clean.

The initiative was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, who represented the Commissioner for Environment during an interactive media session with journalists in Umuahia.

Oriuwa said the proposed Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is designed to mobilise residents at the grassroots to actively monitor their surroundings, discourage indiscriminate waste disposal, and promote environmental consciousness across communities in the state.

He stressed that maintaining a clean environment should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government, but a shared obligation requiring the active participation of every resident.

According to him, the initiative will complement the state’s environmental sanitation programmes by fostering community ownership, accountability, and collective action in protecting the environment.

“It is not only the government that should be doing everything. The people have to be part of it. Creating a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch will help Abians take responsibility for keeping their surroundings and the state clean,” Oriuwa said.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing Governor Alex Otti’s environmental agenda, noting that the present administration remains focused on building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Abia State.

He recalled that at the inception of the administration, Governor Otti pledged that every sector of government would function effectively in delivering quality services to the people, adding that the Ministry of Environment has remained committed to fulfilling its mandate through policies and programmes that promote sanitation and environmental sustainability.

Oriuwa disclosed that the ministry has continued to intensify efforts aimed at improving waste management, enhancing public sanitation, and creating a safer and healthier environment for residents across the state.

He, however, urged Abians to support government initiatives by cultivating good sanitation habits and ensuring that homes, streets, markets, business premises, and public spaces are kept clean at all times.

“At the inception of this administration, His Excellency promised Abians that every sector of government must work. In our own little sector, the Ministry of Environment is doing our best. We advise Abians to key into this vision. Abia is God’s Own State, and cleanliness is next to godliness. For us to truly be God’s Own State, we must keep Abia clean,” he stated.

Oriuwa also commended members of the media for their continued partnership in promoting public awareness on environmental issues and appealed for sustained collaboration in educating residents on the importance of environmental sanitation.

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