Abuja residents warned against illegal connection to sewer lines

THE Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has warned FCT residents against illegal connection to sewer lines.

Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Acting-Director of the board, gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Olanipekun said the Liquid Waste Management (LWM) Department of the board recently embarked on routine manhole de-silting along Utako Road in the FCT.

She said the board discovered some scrap metals, plastics and junks in the manholes.

Olanipekun said that such act would not promote environmental health as it also contravened environmental laws.

She advised developers to always contact the board for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIP) before embarking on any development.

According to her, the board was saddled with the responsibility of protecting the environment of the FCT.

“Its main objective is to ensure a clean, hygienic and sustainable environment for the well-being of the residents.

“AEPB is established to ensure a healthy environment for the residents of the FCT, while conserving the environment and its natural resources.

“The board is also set up to reduce the impact of physical development on the territory’s ecosystem, while raising public awareness and promoting the people’s understanding of the essential linkages between the environment and development.

“Therefore, I am soliciting increased co-operation of security agencies with AEPB to help apprehend those residents that are involved on illegal connection of sewer lines.

“Also, I want a situation where those headstrong hawkers and beggars whose activities make FCT a city of law breakers and environmental nuisance are checkmated. ‘’

Olanipekun appealed to relevant organisations and residents to support the board for effective public enlightenment that could help to promote environmental health in the FCT.

The acting-director also solicited help in watching over critical infrastructure against the activities of those who chose to wilfully to break environmental laws.

She said the dream of making Abuja a first class city in the world was quite achievable if residents would abide by the environmental laws and regulations.