The Anambra State Government has sealed several student lodges, churches, business premises and a market in Awka South Local Government Area over alleged violations of the state’s environmental sanitation laws.
The enforcement exercise, carried out under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s Operation Keep Anambra Clean initiative, is aimed at promoting environmental sanitation, public health and public safety across the state.
Facilities affected by the closure include Emmanuel Lodge, Mandona Lodge, Love Ambassadors Ministry, Lucky Up Shops, Eto Lodge, First Choice Lodge, Gift Lodge, Dominion City, Don Greg UNIZIK Park, and Eke Nibo Market.
During the operation, government officials also ordered a comprehensive structural integrity test on a building at Emmanuel Lodge in Ifite after visible cracks were discovered on the structure, raising concerns about the safety of occupants.
Authorities said certified material testing agencies would assess the building’s structural stability before any decision is made regarding its future use.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commander of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra in Awka South, Prince Ikechukwu Ndigwe, alleged that Emmanuel Lodge had been discharging wastewater, including sewage from toilets, into public drainage channels, creating serious environmental and public health risks.
He also noted that refuse was found littering the premises, while blocked drainage systems further worsened the sanitation condition of the facility.
Prince Ndigwe disclosed that the property’s caretaker would face prosecution for allegedly channeling wastewater into public drains, describing the act as a criminal offence under the state’s environmental laws.
He further revealed that Emmanuel Lodge was already under a valid court order authorising its closure and warned that anyone who obstructs, assaults or harasses government enforcement officials during lawful operations would be arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the management of the institution, including the Dean of Student Affairs and the Student Union leadership, had been notified and were expected to cooperate with the enforcement exercise.
Also speaking, the ACTD enforcement leader, Nwachukwu Obiorah, said the visible cracks observed on the building posed significant safety concerns, making a detailed structural assessment necessary.
He urged students and residents to promptly report buildings showing signs of structural defects to the appropriate authorities to prevent possible building collapse and safeguard lives.
The Anambra State Government reiterated its commitment to the strict enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations, stressing that maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment remains a top priority.
