Abia State Introduces New Rule for Waste Buckets in Public Transport
Pecohub The Abia State Government has announced plans to commence the enforcement of mandatory display of waste buckets in all commercial vehicles across the state as part of measures to sustain environmental cleanliness and public sanitation under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, after the week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Otti.
According to the commissioner, the initiative, which will be launched on April 1, 2026, is aimed at promoting proper waste disposal habits among commuters and at further strengthening the state’s sanitation framework.
He noted that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has continued to make significant strides in maintaining hygienic standards across the state, earning commendations both nationally and internationally.
He said, “May I inform us that ASEPA will commence the mandatory display of waste buckets in all commercial vehicles in the state for use by their passengers.
“This is to support, promote, and enhance the cleanliness of the state.
“Enforcement will be formally announced on April 1, 2026.”
He emphasised that the transformation of Abia from one of the dirtiest states in the country to one of the cleanest remains a testament to the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Kanu recalled that the governor had, at the inception of his administration, declared a state of emergency on waste management, a move that has yielded visible results.
He further highlighted the commendation by a renowned cleric, Pastor Paul Eneche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, who recently expressed admiration for the remarkable cleanliness observed across the state during his visit.
The commissioner stated that ASEPA has intensified its monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards among businesses and industries.
He revealed that some establishments were recently sealed for violating environmental regulations and were only reopened after complying with stipulated standards.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has successfully reclaimed the Amaiyi Amaogudu gully erosion site in Isuikwuato LGA, carried out flood control and reclamation works at Elugwu Nkata in Umuahia North LGA, while the Iyalu-Iberenta flood and gully erosion control works in Oro-Ibere autonomous community, Ikwuano LGA, have been completed and the affected sites fully reclaimed, bringing relief to members of the benefiting communities.
He noted that other erosion control works are being handled by the Ministry of Environment through direct labour.
