Abia govt seals piggery farm, residential building for alleged environmental pollution

The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, has sealed a piggery farm operating at Ipupe, Umuahia South LGA of the State, with a fine of N2.5m, for its alleged involvement in practices that could spark a disease outbreak.

ASEPA also sealed a three-storey building at Area 5, Agbama Housing Estate in Umuahia South LGA, after the occupants allegedly discharged evacuated excreta into public drains.

The General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Ogbonnaya Okereke, who carried out the sealing exercises, said the actions of the offenders contravened  the basic environmental laws of Abia State.

Ogbonnaya, who was represented by ASEPA’s Head of Monitoring, Okpara Macaulay, said an environmental Court sitting in Umuahia authorised the sealing of the compounds.

According to Okereke, the sealing order was issued by O.C. Ibekwe, the Presiding Magistrate, in charge No.AB/ESC/UN/83/2026.

He alleged that the owner of the piggery farm did not obtain an appropriate operational permit, adding that the owner did not take the necessary precautions that could prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases in the area where the farm was sited.

He further expressed concerns that the occupants of a three-storey building at Area 5, Agbama Housing Estate were allegedly discharging their excreta into public drains, actions he said could constitute a health hazard for the public.

“The agency will not hesitate to take the necessary action against any person or facility that refuses to comply with the environmental laws, aimed at preventing the outbreak of diseases, and ensure good health for all.

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“Those operating piggeries should approach the necessary government agencies for approval and should follow the provided precautions, while the residents must ensure that their septic tanks are in good condition,” the ASEPA GM said.