By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
In line with the motion moved by the member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, the Imo State House of Assembly has directed all hoteliers, bars and allied food dealers to make provision for a soak-away where all their liquid waste will be channeled for discharge to avoid osmic pollution.
They also urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to ensure that the outfits involved in the osmic pollution do comply to the directives to avoid closure of such facilities.
The motion which was presented before the House on Thursday was seconded by Ehime Mbano lawmaker – Hon. Ben Ozoemenam.
Presenting the motion, the Mbaitoli legislator, who is the House Committee Chairman on Environment stated that most of the hotels, eateries, bars and allied food dealers are directly channeling their liquid waste into the gutters which has led to either blockage or poor drainage system.
He pointed out that due to lack of free flow of the waste out of the gutters that the kind of stench or odour that emits from the gutters within the location of this business areas is terrible and inimical to human health.
This according to him, is why most people get sick without knowing it was caused by what they inhaled
He continued, “As a result of the osmic pollution witnessed in and around such areas of business and the kind of health challenges it poses to the people residing within the vicinity, it has become pertinent that the issue should be tackled especially for the sake of the healthy living of our people,’Ikpamezie averred’.
Speaking in favour of the motion, the Majority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi blamed the Ministry of Environment saying that they are not doing what they are suppose to do in checkmating the business people, hence the need for them to be called to order.
The Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri who reiterated that the issue should be tackled as soon as possible, further advised people that have bore holes to treat their water atleast ones a year because of the wastes channeled into the soil.
Adding his voice, the Njaba legislator – Hon. Ebonine Ozioma Worship noted that the Ministry of Environment should be held responsible for the challenge, saying that he knows the business owners pay them certain amount of money to ensure the gutters are cleaned.
Other lawmakers who supported the were – Ikeduru – Hon. Johnleoba Iheonu, Isiala Mbano – Hon. Sam Osuji, Owerri North – Hon. Kelechi Ofurum, Ideato South -Rt. Hon. Duru Iheonukara Johnson, Onuimo – Hon. James Esile, among others.
Opposing the motion, the Nkwerre lawmaker Nkwerre – Hon. Chisom Ojukwu said the mover of the motion as the House Committee Chairman on Environment should firstly interface with the Ministry of Environment to explain why they are ‘not doing their job’, before he, the lawmaker can present the issue to the House having made his findings.
After the deliberations, as the Speaker put the motion to vote, the Ayes had it.
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