By Joseph Edegbo
Akwa Ibom State Government has given a 48hrs marching order to all relevant authorities to ensure the evacuation of refuse along Uyo Village Road, for free flow of vehicular and human traffic.
The Government order was handed down by the Secretary to State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem on Monday, when he undertook an inspection of the dump site along with all relevant Government officials in the state Environment sector.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem said, as part of remedial measures toward clearing up the menace of the dump site, an asphalt inroad should be created to enable trucks drive about 50 meters from the road into the ravine where the refuse will be dumped to stop the damage effect of roadside dumping of refuse.
He called on the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Eno James Ibanga and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hensek Construction Integrated Services, Engr Uwem Okoko, to work out the engineering content of the remedial work plan for the Uyo Village Road, within 48 hours in collaboration with the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Akpan Ikim.
While acknowledging the quantum of Waste at the dump site which could be converted into needed energy and power for consumption, the Secretary to State Government called on the Commissioner for Power, Dr. John James Etim to reactivate plans for the recycling of the waste into a veritable source of energy for the state.
Speaking on the imperative of the state government high-powered inspection tour of the Uyo Village dump site, the Waste Management Boss, Prince Akpan Ikim said, it was expedient for government to undertake the tour to appraise the menace of the dump site and seek both short and long-term measures towards amelioration the menace.
Prince lkim reiterated that, with the cosmopolitan nature of Uyo city, over 18,000 tons of Waste is generated per day for dumping at the Uyo Village Road dump site, stating that, there was urgent need for a larger new sanitary dump site outside the state capital with a conveyor belt that will recycle the waste while also providing a more convenient and conducive environment with good accessible road for the dumping of refuse.
He expressed appreciation to the State Government for deeming it necessary to undertake the tour of the Uyo Village Road refuse dump site with all relevant Government officials and emphasized satisfaction with the remedial measures taken to evacuate the dump from the road.
Prince Ikim who said, a State Environmental Protection Bill has already passed first and second hearing at the floor of the State House of Assembly, called on public spirited individuals to partner the Agency and indeed the State government in the task of waste management and waste recycling.
The government high-powered inspection tour included: the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh, Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, Dr John James Etim, Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno James Ibanga and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong represented by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Grace Akpan.
Others were: the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Sanitation Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Akpan Ikim, the Chairman, Uyo LGA, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, the Councillor in-charge of Environment in Uyo legislative Council, Stella Archibong and the Managing Director of Hensek Construction Integrated Services, Engr Uwem Okoko, among others.
