AEPB Begins Mass Trial Of Waste Bill Defaulters

By Mathew Ayoola

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, has commenced the trial of about one thousand six hundred defaulters of its solid and liquid waste disposal bills for the year 2023.

At the commencement of the trial at the Magistrates Court in Wuse Abuja, the Prosecutor of AEPB, Jude Collins said the trial which would last for three days would be held in six courts within the Federal Capital Territory.

He stated that the defaulters violated AEPB Act No 10 of 1997 section 30 sub section 4 punishable by section 5 of the same Act.

According to him, the defaulters were served 21 days’ notice before arraignment and if convicted by the court, the AEPB would discontinue its services, and seal up their property until the payment was made.

Commenting on the trial, the Director of AEPB, Mr Osilama Braimah said the defaulters cut across residential buildings, estates, banks, business centres and plazas as well as some Government offices within the city centre of the FCT.

Mr Braimah who said the trial was to ensure payment for services rendered by the Board stated that the exercise which would be a continuous one explained that maintenance of sewage services is cost effective hence the need for regular payment by those involved.

“The services we are rendering are already subsidized because what we are charging are rates of 2012 which is over ten years now because when the law was made diesel and petrol were about 20 per cent of what it is today so it’s a highly subsidized service and we expect that residents should pay immediately they receive their bills ” he stressed.

While reiterating the commitment of AEPB towards a clean and environmental friendly capital city, the Director called for the support of all Stakeholders towards realizing the mandate of AEPB.

Mt Braimah who described waste management services as very vital to the realization of the Abuja master plan in the area of environmental sanitation advised the residents to always keep their environment clean to ensure healthy living.

Edited By Grace Namiji