The Abia State government has relaunched its house-to-house sanitary inspection services, a program that was long abandoned by previous administrations. Governor Alex Otti flagged off the ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean environment to enhance public health and environmental quality.
Key Highlights of the Relaunch
- *Restoration of Sanitary Inspection Services*: The program aims to monitor environmental conditions in homes, markets, schools, and other areas across the state.
- *Improved Funding*: The Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, attributed the long absence of sanitary inspectors to inadequate funding, which has been addressed by the current administration.
- *Motivated Inspectors*: The inspectors have been motivated with incentives, recognition, and regular payments to ensure they succeed in their new assignment ¹ ².
Benefits of the Program
- *Enhanced Public Health*: Regular sanitary inspections will help reduce disease burden and promote a healthier environment.
- *Improved Environmental Quality*: The program will contribute to a cleaner and more beautiful Abia State.
- *Economic Benefits*: By enhancing environmental quality and reducing disease burden, the program is expected to boost commerce and the economy of the state ¹.
Reaction from Stakeholders
- *Environmental HODs*: Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwaigwe, Chairperson, Forum of Environmental HODs in Abia State, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for reviving the program, stating that sanitary inspectors have not had it this good in the past 30 years.
- *Director, Environmental Health*: Obi Udegha commended Governor Otti for re-launching the House-to-House Sanitary Inspection, saying it will help improve environmental health and hygiene in the state ³.
