BY POLYCARP IFEANYI
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Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State and its environs are now experiencing sanity since the introduction of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) by Governor Charles Soludo government, as one the agencies, to oversee the environmental health in the state.
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There is no doubt that Ocha Brigade unit in charge of Borromeo round about, Upper Iweka to Bridge-Head, Ogbaru Local Government and Owerri road coordinated by Mr. Ejike Odife through their active operations came to rescure mission at Upper Iweka as travellers can now breath fresh air without offensive oduor while on transit.
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Some people who testified the good work of Ocha Brigade hinted that sanity and normality have really actualized as many people have realized the importance of self respect by not defecating faeces and urinating anyhow in the public places especially Upper Iweka express way down to Bridge-Head.
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They also lauded the effort of the agency on their ability to eradicate the habit of trading along the high way, on top of gutters and indiscriminate disposal of wastes into the gutter and open defection.
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In his comment, a drug dealer and Community leader, Chief Chijindu Ezeobia said that people will now understand that Anambra State has sanitation law and it is seriously functioning through the operations of Ocha Brigade. ” I am happy. People should now respect themselves. Things are no longer as usual. Why should people always behave uncivilized, urinating and defecting publicly without minding ? So, I commend the work of Ocha Brigade”
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Equally speaking, Mr. Victor Elejioko noted that action speaks louder than voice, stating that since people can no longer adhere to instructions and order, let them face the music of prosecution. ” If you go to other States, you can not see all these rubbish. But in Anambra, nobody cares. Just behave as you like. But I thank God for Professor Charles Soludo who empowered Ocha Brigade.Therefor, if people can not discipline themselves, let Ocha Brigade discipline them”
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Also, Mrs Adaobi Nwachukwu, a fashion dealer said that with the aide of Ocha Brigade, health hazard should reduced, saying that they should intensify action on Street trading which according her causes bad Market to people who are trading inside the shop.
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Others who expressed their minds on the good work of Ocha Brigade included, Sir. Uche Aniugwu, Elder Matthias Omenakia, Chief Teddy Rapuluchi, Mrs. Eucheria Obele amongst others.
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Contacting the unit coordinator of the areas, Mr. Ejike Odife to comment on how he managed to achieve this success, he disclosed that health issues is not something to handle with kid gloves, saying that people have suffered health harzard enough especially at Upper Iweka express way to head-bridge and other places.
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He further noted that his back born on the success is his Managing Director, Chief Celestine Anere who he described as a brilliant fellow, eulogizing him for his wonderful directives and advise as well as prayed God to increase his wisdom.
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IFEANYI is a journalist and writes from Onitsha in Anambra State
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