The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) is expanding its private-sector partnership model to increase the construction of standard waste collection receptacles across Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
The initiative is aimed at addressing indiscriminate waste disposal on road medians by increasing the number of designated waste collection points in the state.
The Managing Director of RIWAMA, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, has called on patriotic residents, corporate organisations and institutions to partner with the agency in its drive to end the practice.
According to RIWAMA, the agency currently operates 71 refuse collection zones daily, with more than 400 waste receptacles across Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor.
However, the agency noted that population growth, changing demographics and increased human activities have created the need for additional waste collection points to improve waste management.
RIWAMA listed Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, real estate entrepreneur My-ACE China, popularly known as the Mayor of Housing, and the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, Abuloma, as partners that have so far joined the initiative.
The agency said the construction of standard waste collection centres at strategic locations would help eliminate the dumping of refuse on road medians.
It added that it would enforce full compliance with waste disposal regulations to ensure residents use designated collection points.
RIWAMA has therefore urged more individuals, corporate bodies and institutions to join its multi-stakeholder engagement initiative to keep Rivers State clean.
