House-to-House Sanitary Inspections Resume in Abia Under Governor Otti

In a major push to improve public health and environmental conditions, Governor Alex Otti has reinstated the long-abandoned house-to-house sanitary inspection services in Abia State. Speaking during the official relaunch of the programme on Thursday, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasized that the initiative marks a return to essential public health values and aims to foster personal responsibility and community hygiene across the state.

Governor Otti described the revival of the inspections as a proactive step to ensure a cleaner Abia, prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid, and restore environmental standards in homes, markets, schools, and other public spaces. He assured that the state government would fully equip sanitary inspectors with the necessary resources, tools, and training to carry out their duties professionally and effectively.

Calling for broad-based support, the governor urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, market unions, and the media to actively promote and support the programme.

Commissioner for Environment Philemon Ogbonna hailed the move as a decisive step toward building healthier communities in the state. He expressed concern over the long-standing consequences of poor sanitation in many Abia communities, including indiscriminate waste disposal, stagnant water, and overgrown premises, and said the government is determined to change that narrative through consistent and rigorous environmental monitoring.