Director General ( DG) Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor has warned residents of the State Capital Territory, Asaba, to clean up their environments or risk arrest and prosecution.
Mrs. Mrakpor who gave the warning Wednesday, during a stakeholder meeting with business owners and landlords, said there was a need for the people to tidy up their environments. According to her, no right-thinking person would like to invest in a dirty environment, stressing that records have shown that all over the world, investors were attracted to only areas with a history of adequate security and clean environment.
Mrakpor quoting from the Delta State Environmental law of 2006, said those who refused to keep their environment clean risked arrest and possible prosecution. She advised landlords and owners of business premises on major roads and streets in Asaba to comply with the 21 -day ultimatum issued to keep their environments clean-or face the wrath of the law.
Mrakpor, also stated that after another seven days, the agency would try defaulters as a mobile court has been already been constituted for the purpose. According to her, premises of defaulters would not only be sealed but be fined and bear the cost of tidying up their environment.
She promised to make provision for fruits arena with modern facilities in designated strategic locations in the capital territory as street trading would no longer be allowed. According to her, there would be designated waste spots in strategic areas where the agency in charge of waste disposal would evacuate the waste.
During the meeting, It was unanimously agreed that owners of premises on major roads and streets in the Capital territory should paint their houses and fences within the next 21 days with effect from September, 18. It was agreed that that owner of vacant lands on major roads in the capital territory should develop their lands or keep them in good condition or the ownership of such lands and premises would be revoked and be confiscated by the state government.
In a Communiqué, jointly signed by Legal practitioners; Albert Oshogbor, Emmanuel Osakwe, and Mrs. Uche Nwandu, Mrakpor called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders to disseminate the message of keep Asaba clean to their faithful, subjects and people.
