Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite situated along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing its current location as a public health hazard and an unpleasant welcome point for visitors entering the State capital.
Governor Fubara made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed new dumpsite located at a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area. The site is being evaluated as a possible permanent waste disposal location for the State.
Conducted around the area by the Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, and the Managing Director, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, Governor Fubara expressed concern over the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing dumpsite along the airport road.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” the Governor said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.”
He assured that the government would expedite processes to formalise ownership of the new land and complete access road construction to make the site operational.
“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it. So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he added.
Governor Fubara also commended RIWAMA for its renewed commitment and improved waste management efforts across the State.
