In it's avowed commitment and determination to see to the proper disposal of refuse in the State Capital and other environs, the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Environmental and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA),Prince Akpan Ikim has assured residents of the State that the State in partnership with a Company would soon bring to designated spots, receptacles for easy disposal of refuse.
Prince Ikim while speaking to Journalists Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation noted that the receptacles would also reduce indiscriminate dumping of refuse around illegal spots as well as bring decency to the State adding that government under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel has provided an expansive land as permanent dump site.
He emphasized that the Agency would not take it kindly with citizens who defy the existing law against dumping refuse at times not stipulated, added that the law which set up the agency had also regulated the time regime whereby residents of the state can dispose their waste at designated areas for easy evacuation.
Ikim who was joined on monitoring with his Board members and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt.Hon David Lawrence said "we are an Agency created by law and if we say we have a time regime for dumping of refuse which is from 6pm to 6am. it is in the law and if you don't adhere to the law we will take you to the sanitation court. We have a law backing our operation".
Also speaking, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt.Hon David Lawrence noted that mobilization for the sanitation exercise is quite impressive adding that, the House of assembly will do all within its power to assist the agency in executing its core mandate especially in the area of procuring equipments.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has commended the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) in sustaining the ranking of Akwa Ibom as the cleanest and most beautiful State in Nigeria.
NES which is a professional body committed to advocacy and actions towards environmental protection in Nigeria, gave the commendation on Saturday during the general environmental sanitation exercise in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Speaking with Journalists, the Akwa Ibom State chapter Chairman of NES - Professor Comfort Etuk extolled Governor Udom Emmanuel for the appointment of Hon Prince Ikim as the Board Chairman of AKSEPWMA. According to her "Hon Ikim is a dedicated young man with great determination for positive impact". She further noted that with Ikim on the steering, Akwa Ibom State is sure of a well protected and healthy environment.
Frowning at indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the state capital, Professor Etuk who was flanked by other members of her EXCO, advised on the need to sensitise the general public on effective waste management and disposal and urged the Agency to create more awareness on the approved timing for waste disposal.
In his response, Hon Prince Ikim, commended members of the public for complying with the monthly sanitation exercise despite non restriction of movement due to the National Common Entrance Examination. He promised that all refuse littered on the street as a result of the exercise will be fully evacuated during the post sanitation exercise.
The Waste management Boss reiterated that to have a healthy environment, residents and indigenes of the State must comply with the policies of the state government, emphasizing that all refuse must be bagged and disposed only at Government approved dump points between 6pm and 6am as defaulters shall be made to face the full weight of the law.
Part of the early morning duties of the chairman was the inspection of the temporary dump site along Uyo village road and Akpan Adem market where the agency embarked on massive waste evacuation that hitherto blocked Ndiya street linking Udo Umana and Aka road.
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