Abia State's Waste Management Revolution: ASEPA Unveils Next-Level Strategy

The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment as the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) transitions into a more advanced phase of waste management.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week's State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

[caption id="attachment_186551" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu[/caption]

Modern Waste Collection System Underway

According to Prince Kanu, ASEPA has made significant progress in enhancing environmental sanitation and maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces across the state. He noted that the next phase of waste management would introduce a modern collection system, focusing on waste disposal at the point of generation.

The commissioner highlighted that the government's plan prioritizes residential areas and business premises, ensuring that waste is properly managed before it becomes a public nuisance.

"ASEPA is set to implement a hybrid waste collection system, which will involve centralized waste collection in high-traffic areas such as markets, narrow roads, and densely populated locations," Kanu said.

New Waste Tariffs to Enhance Efficiency

To sustain the efficiency of waste disposal services, Prince Kanu revealed that ASEPA is preparing to introduce new tariffs and rates across the state. He clarified that while waste disposal is recognized as a social service, residents will bear a reasonable share of the cost to ensure the process remains viable.

"The state government will provide some level of assistance, but citizens will also be expected to contribute through tariffs to maintain an effective waste management system," Kanu added.

Public Collaboration in Safeguarding ASEPA Assets

Beyond waste collection, the Commissioner urged public cooperation in safeguarding government-owned waste disposal assets. He pointed out that some unscrupulous individuals, particularly scrap dealers, have been tampering with ASEPA waste bins and other assets.

"We have received reports of scrap dealers stealing ASEPA buckets. We urge members of the public to take ownership of these assets and report any suspicious activities," Kanu stated.

Furthermore, he warned against fraudsters who pose as ASEPA officials to extort residents. He advised citizens to report any such incidents to the Harmonized Task Force and other law enforcement agencies.

Governor Otti's Commitment to a Cleaner Abia

Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, Abia State has witnessed a remarkable transformation in waste management. The administration has prioritized environmental sustainability, ensuring that public spaces remain clean while implementing policies that promote effective waste disposal practices.

With the new strategy set for implementation, ASEPA is expected to revolutionize waste management in the state, creating a cleaner and healthier Abia for all.

Answering questions from newsmen, the General Manager Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mr Ogbonnia Okereke said ASEPA and Ministry of Environment are working together to deliver on state government's mandate of keeping Abia environment clean and healthy, adding that a big recycling company is setting up a plastic recycling plant in Aba which would be commissioned during the 2025 World Recycling Day holding on the 18th of March 2025.

He said the state government is partnering many organizations to set up similar processing and recycling plants in the state and explained the planned next level the government is taking waste management to.

"We started with collection (waste collection) so to speak, but now, we want to move into the next level at recycling. We are transmitting from a linear economy to circular economy in the area of waste management .

"What we are saying in essence is that instead of wasting the waste we can always find a way of something else we can do with it. We are in talks with different groups, different organisations to discuss how they can partner with us in these areas," Mazi Okereke stated.

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