Residents of Owelle-Aja, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have expressed relief following the evacuation of a major refuse dumpsite that had remained unattended for nearly 12 years.
The evacuation exercise, carried out by the Idemili North Local Government Council under the leadership of Mayor Stanley Nkwoka, involved the deployment of an excavator and four tipper trucks to remove heaps of solid waste that had taken over MC King Lane in the community.
Speaking during the exercise, Mayor Nkwoka expressed concern over indiscriminate refuse disposal by some residents, stressing the need for greater environmental responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy community.
He disclosed that Owelle-Aja has six major dumpsites earmarked for evacuation but explained that previous efforts were hindered by the absence of an access road and electricity poles that restricted the movement of heavy-duty trucks.
According to the mayor, collaboration with landlords made it possible to create an access road, paving the way for the successful evacuation of the long-standing dumpsite.
Nkwoka assured residents that the council is committed to clearing the remaining dumpsites and would engage landlords and tenants to establish an effective and sustainable waste management system for the area.
He noted that the growing population of Idemili North continues to place pressure on public infrastructure and urged residents to properly bag their household waste for collection by approved waste contractors.
The mayor also warned that anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately would face sanctions, including bearing the cost of waste evacuation or prosecution in accordance with environmental sanitation laws.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Idemili North Local Government to improve environmental sanitation and safeguard public health across communities in the council area.
