The Ebonyi State Landlords
Association Abakaliki (ESLAA) has cried out through an open letter to the
ministry of environment to come to their aid in certain issues that has gotten
out of hand concerning property owners in the State. The letter read:
The Commissioner,
Ministry of Environment,
Ezza Road,
Abakaliki.
Sir,
We have a number of issues that impact on our sense of
responsibility as landlords and business persons in the town. They are thus:-
1. SANITATION TARIFFS
We have been informed about the new tariffs on
environmental sanitation/protection as is applicable to our businesses and
residences. It was shocking to us when
we received a list from your office through our president which showed that an
increase of about 200% was made mostly on rates for flats and rooms. On tariffs
for popular businesses, the following:-
(a) Provision
shops
(b) Market
stores
(c) Sachet
water shops
(d) Artisan
workshops
(e) Business
centres
were
not included, to avoid much confusion and rancor.
We are of the opinion that 50% increase will be
sufficient and would be easily collected from the concerned citizens
2. SANITATION:-
EFFLUENT FROM KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
Please be reminded that we discussed
this matters in October 2012, during the brief meeting you had with us. It was
made clear by you and your men including
the general manager EBSEPA that drains would be made channeling waste water
from each building to either a pit (with cover) or public gutter. This was
conceded to by all. It is a reality now that a magistrate and EBSEPA men are
going about convicting our members on the offence they never committed, thereby
intimidating them. We are not aware that the edict which enabled the subsisting
situation has been changed before the mobile court could now convict people on
this new law.
3. DISTURBANCE
FROM ABAKLAIKI MUNICIPAL YOUTHS
This matter had been raised with Environment
Awareness/ Sensitization team. The social malaise of young men from communities
such as
·
Nkaleke – Nkaleke
Unuphu Development Union
·
Agbaja –Agbaja
Youth Council (AYC) and others,
writing
letters demanding large sums of money from landlords whose houses had been
built long time ago, and even from those whose houses have certificate of
occupancy (C. of O.) is decried. The distraction is such that even the desire
to make the emergency drain pits is also being hampered.
Could you please give these matters a serious
consideration as we are seriously troubled by them. They all burden our ability
to deliver services as expected of us, and to remain one with the government of
the day.
We would appreciate a response from you on these
issues.
Yours
faithfully,
_________
Secretary
General