The Anambra state Ministry of Environment has organized a one-day
workshop on implementation of National Environment and Healthcare,
Waste Control Regulations 2017, with a call for collective efforts
towards effective waste management in the state.
The workshop was a replica of a training exercise recently organized
by the federal government for Heads at both state and federal
Ministries of Environment in Abuja, and aimed at preparing the
participants for the second phase of Dobe Anambra Ocha campaign, which
is enforcement of the environmental laws in the state kicking off next
week.
Correspondent, Emmanuel Okonkwo was there for the ABS and reports that the workshop attracted officials of the Anambra State Waste Management
Agency, ASWAMA, the Nigeria Erosion and Water Shade Management
Project, NEWMAP, Anambra state, Environmental Health officers, and
other relevant stakeholders in Environment Ministry, providing them
the opportunity to cross breed ideas on better ways of waste
management.
Addressing the participants, the state Commissioner for Environment,
Mr. Obi Nwankwo represented by the Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor disclosed that Anambra state government
through the Ministry will by next week commence monitoring of
households to fish out defaulters of the environmental laws, who
according to him are to be decisively and lawfully dealt with when
identified.
The Commissioner called on Ndi Anambra to always comply with
environmental cleanup exercises, with emphasis on the monthly
environmental cleanup exercise carried out in the state at the end of
each month, as he pointed out that the exercise is part of their civic
responsibilities.
In a presentation on ‘The Legal Framework for Waste Management in
Anambra State,’the Director Environmental Health Services, Awka South
Local Government Area, Mr. Kenneth Ezeibe, represented by the Deputy
Director Environmental Health Services, Awka South, Mrs. Valeria Ibe
canvassed for collaborative efforts of stakeholders in the state and
private individuals towards ensuring an ideal waste management and
healthier state.
In an interview, a Participant from NEWMAP, Miss Chioma Anwuagasi
explained that the workshop has served as an eye opener to them on how
to be on top of their games in their service to humanity, promising to
put into practice all she garnered at the event.
Another Participant, Mr. Samuel Aghadinuno called for proper funding
of the ASWAMA and other major managers of wastes in the state for more
efficient service delivery.
