Abia govt seals hotels, water factory for EIA default, unwholesome channeling of waste

Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, has sealed up eight facilities in Umuahia, the State capital, for alleged failure to comply with Environmental Impact Assessment.

Some of the sealed facilities were also alleged to have channelled their wastes improperly in a way they polluted the environment and were consequently sealed by ASEPA, with a court order.

The affected companies included Pros P and Nova Heaven Apartment Hotels Amakama, Rich Vision Water, Confidence Hotels, Waveron Gas, Delatinos Event Centre, Hilltop Hotels and Bar, among others.

Explaining the action of his office, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Ogbonnaya Okereke, said the action followed a court order.

Mr Okereke, who spoke through the Head Monitoring and Revenue ASEPA, Mr Okpara Macauley frowned at the attitude of owners of the sealed property for allegedly operating without due authorization and without obtaining Environmental Impact Assessment.

Okereke also said that the facilities did not have an Environmental Evaluation Reports, and also channelled wastes from their facilities wrongly.

He advised those establishing eateries, hotels, among other companies, to ensure that they obtained the necessary requirements, warning that failure to comply attracts penalty in line with the law.

One of the sealed hospitality companies was ordered to pay N2.5 million fine to the State government and another N50,000 to the Abia State Judiciary account as penalty.

Abia govt seals hotels, water factory for EIA default, unwholesome channeling of waste