By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, says environmental health officers have no legal authority to seal construction sites in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Ojukwu acknowledged that the officers are required by law to give sanitary clearance before building approvals, but said this does not empower them to shut down construction sites.
He urged the officers to focus more on monitoring restaurants, fast-food outlets, and other food production facilities to safeguard public health.
According to him, greater attention should be given to businesses handling consumables, as poor sanitary practices there pose greater health risks.
Ojukwu also promised to engage relevant authorities on the recruitment and deployment of more environmental health officers to local government areas.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sanitarian Ifunanya Mbanugo, said environmental health officers play a vital role in ensuring building sites meet required sanitary standards before approvals are granted, stressing that physical inspection is essential for effective quality control.
Tags: Anambra, Chijioke Ojukwu, Environmental Health, Construction, Building Approval
