The Abia State Ministry of Environment has recently imposed a ban on the utilization of Styrofoam foils, commonly referred to as ‘Take Away.’
In an official statement released on Saturday, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna Asonye, highlighted the prohibition of these foils as food containers within the state.
Acknowledging the precedent set by other states, such as Lagos, where Take Away has already faced restrictions, the commissioner urged the public to promptly cease using the foils. This advisory remains in effect until comprehensive investigations can be conducted to assess the potential hazards the product may pose to public health.
During the January 2024 Clean-Up exercise in Umuahia, the State’s capital, several individuals found in violation of the ban were apprehended and subjected to sanctions. These individuals were caught either engaging in trade or loitering, directly contravening the government’s earlier directives.
Despite the enforcement actions, the clean-up initiative witnessed a commendable level of compliance, with many residents actively participating in the cleaning of gutters. Additionally, trucks provided by the State government played a crucial role in evacuating generated waste during the exercise.
