By Mfonobong Ukpong✍️
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has taken a bold step to address the growing concern of refuse dump scavenging in Uyo metropolis and other parts of the State.
During Thursday plenary, lawmakers urged the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) to regulate these activities and ensure proper waste management.
Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, who led a motion on the urgent need to address unregulated refuse dump scavenging in Uyo metropolis, expressed worry that the unwholesome activities of refuse dump scavengers has resulted in the littering of waste, blockage of drainage systems, and exposure of citizens to hazardous substances and diseases.
Bob emphasized the need for the House to show concern for the harmful activities and ensure that relevant security agencies and the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency enforce existing sanitation laws and regulations.
The lawmaker advocated for the designation of waste disposal points, identification and approval of waste sites, and public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices. He also called for the enforcement of sanitation laws, positioning of waste marshals, and engagement of waste sorters to ensure compliance and curb scavenging activities.
The motion was supported by other lawmakers, including Hon. Ubong Attah, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, and Hon. Lawrence Udoide, who described it as timely and commendable.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, referred the motion to the House Committee on Environment, to collaborate with AKSEPWMA and ensure proper waste management and enforcement of sanitation laws in the state.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has adjourned its sitting to Tuesday, February 4th 2025 at 10 a.m.
