In a significant move to enhance environmental health, the Abia State government has announced the return of sanitary inspectors, effective immediately.
This decision, approved by Governor Dr. Alex Otti, aims to revitalize the state’s environmental health sector.
At a crucial meeting with Heads of Departments (HODs) of Environmental Health officers from the 17 Local Government Areas, Commissioner for Environment Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna emphasized the importance of sanitary inspectors in maintaining public health, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring a safe environment.
Ogbonna urged the environmental health officers to adopt professionalism in their duties, particularly in critical areas where sanitary inspectors’ services have been ineffective. He also highlighted the need for the officers to renew their licenses, stating that the government will only work with those who are up-to-date with their professional registrations.
The Commissioner noted that Abia State has over 130 Environmental Health officers and 520 sanitary zones, expecting intensive and quality services from them. A statewide inauguration is planned, with a date to be announced soon.
General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, emphasized the critical role of sanitary inspectors in achieving the state’s vision of rebranding its environmental health sector.
Environmental health officers from Umuahia North and Obingwa LGAs, Mr. Obi Ejike Udegha and Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwaigwe, highlighted challenges faced in their duties, including political interference, lack of mobility, and inadequate resources.
They appealed to the Commissioner for support and stressed the need for sensitizing traditional rulers, security agencies, and the judiciary in discharging their duties.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa, and other directors of the Ministry.
