Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has tasked members of Anambra Communities on ownership of the state waste management process.
Governor Soludo gave the charge when he inaugurated a nine-member board for Anambra State Waste Management Authority.
Issues of waste have been a major concern to many citizens as heaps of refuse continue to rise across parts of the state, with citizens calling for a state of emergency on waste in the state.
The inauguration of the Board follows the evolvement of a new approach towards waste management in the state, after Governor Soludo terminated the contracts of contractors initially managing the waste situation in the state.
The nine-member board comprises Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu, Prince Chris Azor as a representative of Community based Organization.
Others are Mrs Ifeoma Ezeaku, Chief Emeka Aghasili as representative of the private sector, Managing Director ASWAMA, Mr. Mike Ozoemena and Prof. Ikemefuna Uzochukwu representing the healthcare industry, as well as representatives of Aguata, Njikoka and Onitsha North local government areas.
Inaugurating the Board, Governor Soludo hinted that for the board to fulfill its role, participation of all players is very imperative, stating that their role is a call to service of the people of Anambra.
The governor who described waste Management as a very critical sector of the society, stressed that the Board’s primary responsibility is to keep the state clean in terms of regulation, generation, collection, disposal and processing of waste.
“We are also hoping that the Board will assist us on innovative ways to ensure that wastes are recycled back to wealth, licensing of operators, among other responsibilities,” he said.
He asked them to interface with line ministries and various organisations that generate waste, to develop a sustainable system that works.
According to the governor, the Board is to also review the work of the waste service providers who have already been engaged by the state government.
The Governor expressed optimism that with their inauguration, open dumping of refuse should stop, adding that it is his administration’s desire to fashion out enforcement mechanisms for the good of the state.
Responding, the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Ezenwaji gave assurances that his team will work with four basic documents to deliver on their mandate including Soludo Solution manifesto, Vision 2070 report, Transition Committee report and the ASWAMA law which he described as very comprehensive.
While harping on the need for behavioural change among the people, he promised to put up a structure that will ensure adequate enforcement and synergy with relevant MDAs, to deliver on their mandate.
