By Karen James
The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) has launched a comprehensive enforcement campaign to eradicate street trading and enhance environmental sanitation throughout Anambra State. The Managing Director of the Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, led the operation on Tuesday at the Onitsha Main Market, declaring that the agency will no longer tolerate any form of street trading or environmental violations. He stated that the Brigade will adopt a firm and uncompromising approach in enforcing state environmental laws, warning that offenders will receive no sympathy or exemptions.
Comrade Anere emphasised the importance of keeping all drainage systems clean and fully desilted, noting that any neglect would attract strict penalties. He explained that the clean-up and enforcement exercise will be continuous, stressing that the state must get it right to maintain a safe and healthy environment. According to him, enforcement of environmental regulations in every locality will continue without interruption.
The Ocha Brigade boss also raised serious concerns about the increasing number of buildings constructed without catchment pits, a practice that forces many property owners to channel wastewater onto public roads. He described the act as illegal, dangerous to public health, and destructive to infrastructure. Reiterating state environmental laws, Anere warned that the discharge of wastewater from private compounds into public spaces is strictly prohibited. He added that car-wash businesses operating without approved wastewater management systems will face an immediate clampdown.
As part of the ongoing operation, the Brigade has also commenced the removal of shanties, illegal structures, and buildings erected on drainage channels statewide. Anere explained that such structures block water flow, worsen flooding, and violate planning regulations. He appealed to Ndi Anambra to support the Brigade by obeying environmental laws and partnering with the government to maintain cleaner communities. He urged households, traders, and business operators to take responsibility for sustaining a hygienic, orderly, and environmentally safe Anambra State.
