As controversy rages over the siting of a poultry farm close to a residential building in Umuebi, Obikabia, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State, the affected family has called on the Abia State Government to intervene and resolve the issue.
The poultry farm, owned by Dr. Nwambuisi Elenta Elele and sited adjacent the residence of Mr. Cyril Ishmael, has sparked debate among Abians. Residents have also questioned why a commercial poultry business was approved so close to a residential area.
Questions have also emerged over who granted approval for the facility, given the offensive odour that emanates from poultry farms.
Newsbuka correspondent who visited the village on a fact-finding mission could not access the farm that is air-tight with gigantic fence and high-tech gadgets.
It was also alleged that a team from the Abia State Ministry of Environment, which visited the site on Tuesday on a fact-finding mission, was denied access.
Meanwhile, villagers who spoke to Newsbuka on condition of anonymity on Friday, said that before the poultry was established, Mr. Ishmael sought an amicable resolution with Dr. Elele over the siting.
“Ishmael raised health concerns and the implications, saying it was improper to set up such facility close to a residential building,” the villagers said. “But Dr. Elele neglected the peaceful dialogue and went ahead to construct the poultry.”
They also confirmed that the offensive odour from the poultry is causing discomfort among residents.
According to them, despite repeated pleas, Dr. Elele has refused to relocate the farm and has instead told associates that he has perfected arrangements to add piggery and fishery farms to the facility.
Speaking with Newsbuka, Jude Ishmael, a member of the family, lamented the situation. He said the residential building was erected before the poultry farm was set up months ago.
According to him, “It is difficult to get fresh air devoid of offensive odour. Our windows and doors have remained closed because of the smell. It has been an unpalatable experience.”
He also said a team from the Abia State Ministry of Environment visited the site and confirmed that the farm ought not to have been sited there.
Jude Ishmael added that Elele was invited to the Ministry, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitation and threatened to sue the Ministry for questioning his right to site the farm.
He, however, used the opportunity to call on the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to intervene, saying “The family is seeking a peaceful and amicable resolution to the issue. The health of everyone in the family is being endangered due to the offensive odour that emanates from the farm.”
When Newsbuka reached out to the Head of Department, Environmental Assessment, Abia Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Abasiama Udofia, she declined to comment, saying she was not permitted to speak on the matter.
