The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency has announced new tariffs for waste disposal, urging residents to comply with the updated rates and refrain from indiscriminate refuse dumping.
ASEPA’s Director General, Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, disclosed this on Tuesday, noting that the review aligns with Section 2 of the Abia State Tax Codification and Consolidation Amendment Law of 2024. The adjustments were backed by an executive order signed by Governor Alex Otti.
Under the new structure, residents in a room apartment are to pay N300 monthly, self-contained apartments N500, two- or three-room flats N1,000, while semi-detached duplexes and standard duplexes will be charged N1,500 and N2,000, respectively.
The updated rates also include mansions: N3,000, shops: N500, single-owner compounds with two houses: N4,000, compounds with three to six houses: N5,000 to N6,000 and market stalls: N1,000
Other categories covered in the tariff include hotels, departmental stores, lounges, bars, eateries, supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, auto repair workshops, banks, churches, and government offices, each with specified rates based on their operations.
Okereke emphasised that payments must be made into the state’s Treasury Single Account through banks or personal devices, using designated revenue names, category numbers, and revenue codes.
This review has been in the works for a long time. The new tariffs aim to reduce the financial burden on the government while ensuring waste management services are delivered effectively,” Okereke said.
He noted that the tariffs are tailored to different property sizes and types, adding that locations outside Umuahia and Aba will pay half of the rates applicable in the two cities.
Okereke stressed that the government does not accept cash payments, warning residents against engaging unauthorized agents.
“All payments should be made directly into the TSA. If an agent is introduced in the future, residents will be duly informed,” he added.
The ASEPA DG reiterated that dumping refuse in open drains or bushes is a punishable offence. He highlighted the agency’s efforts to deploy waste receptacles across the state and hinted at plans to commence household refuse collection soon.
“We have extended our services to towns and villages across the state. No one has an excuse to dump refuse indiscriminately. Offenders will face penalties, as we are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all,” Okereke stated.
