By Chibuzor Ogode
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), in collaboration with the Delta State Waste Management Board and the State Taskforce on Environment, officially flagged off a one-month special clean-up and premises sanitation enforcement campaign within the Capital Territory on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The exercise was formally launched by the Director General of DSCTDA, Chief Patrick Ukah, alongside the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, and the Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu.
The event was also graced by representatives of the Asagba-in-Council and was simultaneously held in Okpanam.
In his address, Chief Ukah noted that while the initiative had been announced the previous year, its commencement was delayed to allow residents ample time to comply with the stipulated regulations.
He outlined that the exercise will cover targeted clean-up activities, public sensitization on proper sanitation practices, inspection of premises, distribution of waste bins, and registration of Private Sector Participants (PSPs) in waste management.
He further stated that the monitoring teams would assess compliance in areas such as fence painting, beautification of property setbacks, ensuring they are not within 15 meters of the road, installation of security lighting, and clearing of overgrown vegetation.
Chief Ukah urged residents not to wait for enforcement before taking action, warning that non-compliance would attract sanctions, with a Mobile Court ready to prosecute defaulters.
He also praised the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, for his dedication to ensuring a clean and safe Asaba, particularly his efforts to rid the capital of miscreants and criminal elements.
Highlighting the importance of community involvement in security, Ukah encouraged residents to be vigilant about who resides in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the role of community cooperation in maintaining both cleanliness and safety.
Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu called on residents to adopt best environmental practices and pledged their full support for the clean-up initiative.
Representing the Asagba of Asaba, Chief Patrick Ndili lauded the state’s leadership for the initiative.
He affirmed the commitment of the Asaba community to support the government’s efforts, especially in promoting cleanliness and security through initiatives like “Operation Know Your Tenant and Neighbor,” aimed at safeguarding the Capital Territory.
