By Isaac Ojo.
The Anambra State Government is set to enforce the state’s environmental law following Gov.. Charles Soludo’s declaration of an environmental emergency, with authorities warning that compliance will no longer be treated with levity.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi’s unscheduled inspection visit to the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade in Awka, signalled the administration’s readiness to immediately translate the Governor’s declaration into action.
OCHA Brigade, established by the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, is the state agency mandated to enforce environmental regulations and ensure residents comply with the provisions of the Anambra State Environmental Law.
Dr. Aguiyi told officers that the government could no longer afford delays in tackling the state’s environmental challenges, charging them to rise to the occasion and help secure Anambra’s future by protecting its environment.
“Anambra has an environmental emergency,” the Commissioner said, describing OCHA Brigade as “the environmental police in Anambra State” and directing its personnel to “go back to work to make Anambra State better.”
The Commissioner also inspected the agency’s facilities and stressed that enforcement of the environmental law was central to Soludo’s environmental agenda, adding that the implementation of the Governor’s directive “cannot wait another minute.”
Further engagements between the Ministry of Environment and OCHA Brigade are expected to continue as Soludo administration moves to strengthen enforcement and launch a renewed campaign for environmental compliance across Anambra State.
