In Awka, markets close as ASWAMA, others observe World Clean Day

 
MANAGING Director, Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Amechi Akorah, has called on ndi Anambra to upgrade their environmental hygiene.
Akorah made this call, Saturday, during the clean-up exercise  organised to mark the 2019 World Cleanup Day.
According to him, the clean-up, which cut across Anambra State was powered by ASWAMA to address the issue of solid waste in the environment which poses a big hazard to life and health.  He said “ This particular exercise has come to an end, but the whole idea of keeping Anambra clean is not ending. It is a continuous process or sustainable action. The exercise was quite successful, even the Eke Awka shops were closed from the hours of 6:00am till about 12:00noon. That shows that the message; the sensitization was acceptable to the people, they have embraced it. Initially the attitude of people was very discouraging, but now people are beginning to turn a new leaf because of various activities like “ Dobe Anambra Ocha”, ASWAMA reach out on Saturdays, so many groups are becoming aware of their environment. So the attitude is picking up”.
In an interview with National Light, the Senior Special Assistant  to Governor Obiano on Environment, Chinwe Aniemena talked about the participation of people in the exercise. She said, “ It is a gradual process and we are making changes. People are very happy and appreciating the good and clean environment because you know, some are used to bad things and don’t know how to come out of it, they know they are battling with dirts and wants to get out from it. Since we started ‘Dobe Anambra Ocha’ together with ASWAMA, and some other organisations from there to world clean-up Day, things are really changing. Our unit worked from Amansea to Eke Awka, where we converged with other groups”.
She urged ndi Anambra to also comply with anything that will sustain their health by keeping their environment clean.
Chukwuemeka Oye, the Operation Officer of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade)  expressed his feelings towards the exercise. “ We are interested in the cleanliness of the environment and  I’m very much impressed about the outcome of the exercise. I’m happy that stakeholders, ministries, and agencies came out together to work for a common goal “. Alhaji Bello Magari, Chairman of Amansea Cattle Market (ACM) commended the state government for its concern in making the environment clean “I’m aware that today is World Clean-up Day and I really appreciate what you people are doing to ensure a healthy environment. Some of the diseases we are suffering today is from dirty environment. If we tidy our environment, we will be healthier and our children will learn from us. Anambra State Government is on top of environmental sanitation and we all need to follow it up“ he advised.
The event, which was powered by ASWAMA, in partnership with a private firm; Redivivus Ltd, also attracted both governmental and non –governmental organizations like, Ministry of Environment, OCHA Bridge, Man O’ War, Awka Women Development Union of Nigeria, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Red Cross Society, community leaders,  Girls Guide, Peace Corps, Market leaders  and others who cued into the exercise.