The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has declared a monthly review of rates and tariffs for various establishments, including schools, churches, religious institutions, government, military, and para-military offices, as well as residential properties. This review considers property size, categorized as small, medium, or large.
The new rates and tariffs also affect higher institutions, banks, financial institutions, eateries, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, maternities, morgues, health facilities, pharmacies, and petrol/gas stations.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the ASEPA office in Umuahia, the General Manager of ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonna Okereke, stated that the new rates and tariffs align with the approval by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, through an executive order for the review of revenue collection rates by ASEPA.
The ASEPA GM mentioned that small and medium-scale businesses, factories, manufacturing companies, mechanic and auto repair workshops, supermarkets, and departmental stores/malls (e.g., ShopRite, Market Square) are also affected by the new rates and tariffs.
New rates and tariffs have been introduced for rooms, self-contained apartments, 2 or 3-room flats, semi-detached duplexes, mansions, shops, single-owner compounds, and market stalls, among others.
The ASEPA GM noted that the rate and tariff increase applies to all LGAs where the Agency operates, including Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, effective from January 1, 2025.
He emphasized the importance of the Agency’s work, highlighting that Governor Alex Otti approved this order to facilitate the smooth execution of their duties.
Mazi Okereke stated that the Executive Order may be referred to as the ASEPA Rate and Tariff Review 2024, noting that the rates and tariffs are the most affordable in the South-East geopolitical zone, with careful consideration to avoid being perceived as excessive by Abians.
He also revealed plans to elevate Abia to a level where waste disposal generates wealth, as seen in developed countries, emphasizing the Agency’s efforts in providing receptacles and buckets.
The ASEPA GM affirmed the Agency’s commitment to evacuating refuse sites in the State, stressing the necessity of reviewing rates and tariffs given their responsibilities.
He advised the public against disposing of refuse in drainages or on land, highlighting it as an offense, and expressed gratitude to the media for their support in facilitating the Agency’s work.
Mazi Okereke stated that structures not listed would be assessed based on their nature, type, usage, human traffic volume, and business type, with half the rate applying to locations outside the major towns of Umuahia and Aba.
Correspondent reports that ASEPA DGMs for Umuahia zone, Catechist Jonah Ambrose, Aba zone, Elder Ezenwa Okezie, and Ohafia zone, Peter Ekekwe, were present at the briefing.
