The Anambra State Government has issued a stern warning to operators of slaughterhouses (abattoirs) across the state to improve hygiene and environmental sanitation or risk sanctions, including the closure of non-compliant facilities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Clem Aguiyi, gave the warning during an inspection of abattoirs at Amansea and Kwata in Awka as part of the state’s ongoing environmental compliance exercise following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s declaration of a state of emergency on the environment.
During the inspection, the commissioner described the sanitary conditions at the facilities as unacceptable, citing indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, blocked drainage channels, poor waste management practices and environmental pollution.
Barr. Aguiyi expressed concern that the improper disposal of animal waste into drains and waterways was contributing to flooding and posing serious public health risks to residents.
He directed operators to immediately improve sanitation standards and ensure their facilities comply with approved environmental and public health regulations.
According to him, the state government will initially engage with the leadership of the affected slaughterhouses to encourage compliance, but warned that any operator who fails to implement the required improvements will face strict enforcement measures.
The commissioner said sanctions may include fines, prosecution and the sealing of facilities found to be operating below acceptable health and environmental standards.
He stressed that businesses involved in the processing of meat for public consumption have a responsibility to maintain hygienic environments that protect consumers and surrounding communities.
Barr. Aguiyi also called on residents and business owners to support the state’s environmental sustainability campaign, reaffirming the Soludo administration’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier Anambra.
The inspection forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to tackle environmental degradation, improve sanitation and reduce flooding across the state.
