June 03, (THEWILL) – The Ebonyi State government has threatened to sanction individuals found violating the state’s environmental law, saying that it would no longer tolerate those who are destroying public infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Victor Chukwu, bemoaned the misuse of newly constructed bus stops in the state capital.
He expressed concern over public complaints that some residents were urinating and defecating around the canopy bus stop.
He acknowledged the observations, but emphasised that the facility was meant to serve as a temporary shelter and resting point for commuters, not for unsanitary activities.
“The canopy bus stop, provided by the state government, is a thoughtful initiative by Governor Francis Nwifuru-led administration to cater to the needs of the people, especially during weather emergencies.
“I witnessed people taking shelter there during a recent rainfall, and it reaffirmed its purpose. However, the misuse of this infrastructure is unacceptable”, he said.
The commissioner acknowledged the natural need for human waste disposal but stressed the importance of doing so responsibly. “While it’s healthy that people relieve themselves, it’s wrong to do it indiscriminately in public places.
“Until we provide public toilets, people should make use of the existing facilities at home or in businesses”, he said.
Chukwu revealed that the Ministry of Environment would explore options for constructing public toilets in strategic locations across the city to address the issue.
He also warned that individuals found violating environmental laws would face strict penalties. “We will not tolerate the destruction of public infrastructure. Anyone caught violating sanitation laws will contend with the full weight of the law”, he warned.
On broader environmental issues, the commissioner commended the state’s current waste evacuation system, stating that Ebonyi has made significant progress in refuse management. “There is now steady and prompt evacuation of waste across the metropolis. Our trucks operate daily across 18 major and 6 special zones with 24 contractors handling waste disposal.”
The former state lawmaker also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the state’s recycling plant, which processes plastics and other waste into reusable materials. “We are converting waste to wealth. Our PE and PET crushers are producing high-demand export materials. We are already producing nylon bags and exploring bioenergy opportunities, including CNG and organic fertilisers”, he explained.
He noted that discussions are ongoing with investors to further develop the recycling plant into a hub for clean energy and industrial raw materials, potentially generating significant revenue for the state.
Chukwu concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to improving urban cleanliness and sanitation infrastructure while urging citizens to act responsibly.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
