The Anambra State Government has warned operators of slaughterhouses, popularly known as abattoirs, to maintain proper hygiene and environmental standards or risk sanctions, including the closure of non-compliant facilities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Clem Aguiyi, gave the warning during an inspection of slaughterhouses at Amansea and Kwata in Awka as part of the state’s environmental compliance exercise, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s declaration of a state of emergency on the environment.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the conditions at the facilities, the Commissioner described the level of sanitation as unacceptable. He cited the indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, blocked drainage channels, and poor waste management practices as major environmental and public health concerns.
Barr. Aguiyi directed the operators to immediately improve hygiene and adopt proper environmental practices, stressing that the state government would no longer tolerate activities capable of endangering public health or polluting the environment.
According to him, the indiscriminate dumping of animal waste into drains and waterways has contributed to blocked drainage systems, flooding, and environmental degradation in affected communities.
He emphasized that all facilities involved in processing meat for public consumption must operate in line with approved health and environmental regulations.
The Commissioner said the government would initially engage the leadership of the affected abattoirs to encourage compliance. However, he warned that operators who fail to meet the required standards would face appropriate sanctions, including fines, enforcement measures, and the sealing of their premises.
He also urged business owners and residents to support the state’s environmental sanitation campaign, reaffirming the Soludo administration’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and promoting a cleaner, safer, and healthier Anambra State.
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