States within the South-East are reporting inconsistent results regarding environmental sanitation. While certain urban areas see improvements in waste management, others continue to struggle with public waste dumping and open defecation.
A review conducted by Vanguard indicates that Abia has made notable progress by upgrading public toilets and enhancing waste collection systems. Conversely, Anambra and Ebonyi still face significant difficulties with pollution and open-air bathroom habits despite various state-led initiatives.
Ebonyi has managed to maintain cleaner streets in Abakaliki by hiring contractors for consistent trash removal. Former Environment Commissioner Victor Chukwu noted that while the state has curbed waste buildup, open defecation persists due to residents ignoring public facilities in favor of nearby brush. The state is currently using a task force to prosecute violators in court.
In Abia, the situation is improving as the government builds more restrooms, such as those at the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal. The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has stabilized waste removal in major cities like Aba and Umuahia, leading to cleaner streets. Local residents in areas like Ogbor Hill appreciate the consistent pickup schedules, though some suggest more work is needed to prevent drainage blockages that lead to flooding.
Anambra remains the most challenged, with UNICEF data showing that only three of its 21 local government areas are free from open defecation. Pollution from blocked drainage systems is a common issue. In response, the state government has declared an environmental emergency, mandating a region-wide cleanup day on July 4, 2026, to clear debris and address sanitation failures.
