Abia seals eight facilities over environmental violations

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The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency on Monday sealed about eight facilities in Umuahia, the state capital, for failure to comply with Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.

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The affected facilities include Pros P and Nova Heaven Apartment Hotels, Amakama, Rich Vision Water, Confidence Hotels, and Waveron Gas on Bende Road.

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Others are Delatinos Event Centre, Hilltop Hotels and Bar, among others.

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Explaining the action, the General Manager of ASEPA, Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, said it followed court orders.

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Okereke, who spoke through the Head of Monitoring and Revenue, ASEPA, Mr. Okpara Macauley, criticised operators of such facilities for operating without due authorisation, including failure to obtain Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Evaluation reports, as well as improper waste disposal practices.

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He advised those establishing eateries, hotels and other businesses to ensure they obtain the necessary approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Evaluation reports.

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According to him, failure to comply attracts penalties in line with existing environmental laws.

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Speaking later after this week’s Executive Council meeting on Monday, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said, “ASEPA has continued in its primary role of environmental protection of the state.

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“In this connection, ASEPA has continued to manage, monitor and enforce the right and proper environmental practices and standards for businesses and industries in the state.

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“ASEPA has continued to seal up the premises of defaulters in these enforcement actions until the right and proper standards are adhered to.

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“It has also commenced the full implementation and enforcement of waste bins in all commercial vehicles in the state for use by passengers.

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“This is designed to support, promote and enhance all-round cleanliness in the state and has recognised waste bins in this duty to keep the state clean.

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“Therefore, Abia State today is regarded as one of the cleanest states in the country.”

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