RSG Shuts Ikoku Spare Parts Market

The Ikoku Motor Spare Parts Market in Mile II, Diobu, Port Harcourt has been closed down indefinitely.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Kingsley Chinda disclosed this Wednesday in Port Harcourt while briefing newsmen after an on-the-spot assessment of the area.

Hon Chinda stated that the market was closed down because of the lawless attitude of the traders and the insanitary condition of the area, which are against the provisions of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.

As a result, he said the market would remain closed until the insanitary condition of the market which include removal of all scraps and vehicles along the road, provision of packing space for customers and disilting of drains, are met.

He also said that from today, every Thursday, would be observed as weekly sanitation period at all public places in the state.

The exercise according to him would last from 7.00-10.00am on the said day.

The commissioner who underscored the need for persons, who undertake businesses in the state to comply with the sanitation laws of the state, stated that government would not allow people undermined her desire to restore the lost glory of Port Harcourt City.

The Environment Ministry boss advised all residents and business operators in the state to ensure that their surroundings are kept clean as the ministry is poised towards strict enforcement of environmental laws in 2010.

Meanwhile, the commissioner has moved against indiscriminate littering and dumping of wastes within the Port Harcourt metropolis during and after the yuletide season, saying defaulters would be prosecuted.

He gave the warning while speaking to pressmen at a recent special community charity exercise at Elelenwo, Rivers State.

Hon Chinda stated that the order has become imperative because of the swelling wastes generated during the period saying the celebrations should not be an excuse for people to default environmental laws.

He said the ministry has instituted machineries to check indiscriminate refuse dumping, like night sweeping, special environmental sanitation at public places like motor parks and markets.

Hon Chindah who warned members of the public to adhere to dumping periods said from this year, government would not condone any act that would deface the metropolis.

Meanwhile, the people of Elelenwo community have hailed Barrister Chindah for providing them free medical checks and drugs during the yuletide season.

They prayed God to reward the commissioner for his kind gesture as over 100 persons, especially the elderly benefited from the exercise.