In a bid to improve the environmental conditions of urban and rural areas and prevent the outbreak of diseases, the Abia State government has announced the re-introduction of the sanitary inspection system, also known as ‘Ndi Ole Ala’, in all local government areas.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, made this announcement during a meeting held in Umuahia, where he engaged with environmental health officers and top local government officials. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure the provision of quality health for the residents of Abia State.
During the meeting, Commissioner Ogbonna emphasized the crucial role played by sanitary inspectors in the past, which involved monitoring and enforcing cleanliness practices to keep homes free from deadly diseases.
As part of the initiative, traditional rulers were urged to mobilize their subjects to clean up their surroundings consistently. This call to action acknowledges the significant contribution of the community in maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment.
While commending the State government for this bold initiative, the environmental health officers also highlighted some challenges that hinder their operations. One pressing concern is the lack of a cemetery for the burial of unidentified corpses, particularly those found in a decomposing state. The officers called for swift action in resolving this issue to ensure efficient disposal of such bodies.
In addition, the environmental health officers emphasized the need for regular funding to sustain their operations effectively. They expressed their commitment to conducting thorough sanitary inspections across every nook and cranny of Abia State.
