Epidemic looms in Imo State over abandoned refuse heap

According to The Guardian, Imo State residents have called on the relevant authorities and the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, to urgently intervene and evacuate a massive refuse heap in front of Ekeukwu Owere Market, along Douglas Road, Owerri, the state capital. They claimed the refuse heap has been abandoned for weeks.

The Guardian also gathered that the refuse had been there before last Saturday’s sanitation.

In addition, The Guardian notes that, one of traders, who identified himself as Igwe, urged the government and health agencies to evacuate the refuse before an epidemic occurs.

He said: “This refuse has been there for more than one week. We are using this medium to call on the government to come to our aid. I have not seen anywhere in Nigeria where any government would allow such refuse to mount in front of a popular market.”

The acting General Manager of the Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), Geff Nwoha, told The Guardian that he was busy trying to clear a trailer that rammed into the Imo State University, Owerri Roundabout.

Meanwhile, Okorocha has given street traders till September 30, to relocate to Egbeada, on the outskirts of Owerri, The Guardian reports.

Source: The Guardian