Umuahia: The Abia State Government is moving forward with plans to convert cow dung from the Lokpanta Regional Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area into biogas, which will be used for roasting cow legs, heads, and skin. This initiative aims to replace the current practice of using tires—a method that raises serious health concerns, reports Vanguard.
Mr. Peter Ekekwe, Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for Abia North, revealed the development during a recent visit to assess sanitary conditions in the market and ensure traders are operating within the designated fenced area. He explained that discussions with technical experts are already well advanced and that the project could begin within a month.
Ekekwe highlighted the health risks associated with tire-burning and said the government wants to eliminate the practice by first offering a safe, viable alternative. He said the biogas plan is part of the broader effort to ensure public health and improve environmental standards in the market.
During the inspection, Ekekwe expressed disappointment with the overall cleanliness of the market, especially at the newly built abattoir. He urged butchers and traders to adopt better hygiene practices and warned that the government would no longer tolerate unsanitary conditions.
He also issued a one-week deadline for traders with shops outside the fenced section of the market to relocate inside. He said repeated warnings had been ignored and that any structure still standing outside the fence after the deadline would be demolished.
According to Ekekwe, the fencing of the market is intended to boost security, manage access, and improve the market’s overall appearance. He praised Governor Alex Otti for his support of the initiative and urged traders to cooperate fully with government directives.
Vice Chairman of the cattle market, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdullmidu, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts. He admitted that traders were initially skeptical of the fencing project, fearing eviction, but now welcome the improvements, especially in terms of security. Abdullmidu pledged the traders’ continued support for the government’s policies and praised Governor Otti’s leadership.
