JUST IN: Fubara orders closure of dumpsite near airport

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate closure of a dumpsite along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road, citing its negative impact as the first sight welcoming visitors to Port Harcourt....Read Full Article >>➤

Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the new Board of Directors for the Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Fubara urged the board to find an alternative location for waste disposal and implement a more innovative approach to waste management. The governor emphasised the economic potential of waste management.

He said, “Today, I am here putting a team together to look at these challenges differently. Let it not be the regular pattern whereby, at the end of the month, you come to collect money from me for payments.

“Don’t indulge in appointing your friends as sweepers, evacuators of debris, then you start building hotels, or buying big cars. Let us go beyond that and tap into the potential of waste management.

“It is an area in this world that there is so much money in. It is an area that creates employment and generates huge revenue. It is not just depending on what I will give to you. Consider what change you’ll bring to the work, that’s what I want to see in Rivers State.”

The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Engr. Edward Namiesimagh, with Hon. Orukwem Amadi-Oparaeli as Managing Director.

Other members include Hon. Bishop Best, Dr. Ipalibo Sogules, Richard Mazi, and Civian Y. Nwibari.

Fubara added, “If not for our effort, today, some people could have even changed it to become Garbage City. But God forbid, it is not going to be in our own time.

“I want you to understand that I feel very unhappy with the sight I see. When you are driving into Port Harcourt, one of the first things that will welcome you is the waste dump that you see along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road. I don’t feel happy about it.

“Your first task should be to relocate it. That particular place needs to be completely closed because it is the entrance to the city. You need to get a new place where we can relocate our waste.”

The governor warned that he would not hesitate to relieve anyone found wanting.

He noted, “This team cuts across all the Senatorial Districts so that whatever you are going to do there, you ensure it spreads. While you are also carrying out this job, let it be known to the world that the interest of everybody in the State is accommodated.

“It shouldn’t be one-sided. Make sure that all our supporters who have the capacity and competence to do little jobs in the refuse area are also accommodated.

“I am serious. I have no doubt that you are going to impress us. So, I charge you to do all you can to make sure that the face of Port Harcourt changes when it comes to the issue of refuse.”

In his acceptance speech, Namiesimagh, expressed appreciation to the governor, on behalf of members of the Board, for finding them worthy to handle such a difficult but surmountable task of keeping Port Harcourt clean.

He said, “When I see the calibre of people you assembled, all of us are happy, and I assure you that with our period of experience in our fields and politics and interaction with people and the zeal that comes with this job, we assure you that we will do our best to make sure that the policy of restoring Port Harcourt to its lost glory is achieved with your support.”