The Rivers State Government has explained why dirt and waste were recently seen littered across Port Harcourt, attributing it to previous challenges in waste management and a shortage of adequate disposal facilities.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner environment and improving waste management across the state.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Sole Administrator of the state, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), announced this during the flag-off of the monthly sanitation exercise in Port Harcourt on Saturday, alongside the Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
He disclosed that the government had acquired 20 garbage trucks, three sweepers with loaders, and two bulldozers to support RIWAMA in managing waste more effectively. Previously, the agency had relied on hiring such machinery, a practice that posed significant challenges.
In addition, Vice Admiral Ibas revealed that two new dumpsites had been opened in Isiokpo and Iriebe, noting that the state previously had only one dumpsite, which was insufficient for proper waste disposal.