LANDLORDS’ CRY OUT FOR INCREASED TARRIFFS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION

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