Barely hours after taking delivery of newly acquired waste management equipment from the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has swung into action, setting a new pace in environmental sanitation.
The equipment, which includes advanced waste trucks like compacting trucks, four swing-arm trucks, one roll-off truck, and 50 units of 6,000-liter dumpsters among others, was deployed immediately across major streets in Uyo metropolis as part of a comprehensive waste evacuation exercise.
This, however, comes as a fulfilment of the Agency’s commitment, declared by its Chairman, Obong (Dr) Prince Ikim, during the official handover, to hit the ground running.
Roaming reporters on Thursday observed that the Agency covered areas like: Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Nwaniba Road, Oron Road, Stadium Road, Idoro Road, Udo Udoma Avenue, Banking Layout and adjoining streets and several others.
Speaking with Newsmen, the Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Obong Prince Ikim, commended Governor Umo Eno for his visionary and people-centric leadership. He noted that the Governor’s decision to invest in modern waste management equipment was eloquent proof of his commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Akwa Ibom residents.
The elated Chairman opined that the proactive measures implemented by the State Chief Executive would not only enhance sanitation but also curb the outbreak of diseases often linked to poor environmental conditions, a challenge he said was prevalent in many other States.
Ikim who was flanked by AKSEPWMA Board members further warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, stressing that no violator, regardless of status, would be spared.
He revealed that several multinational companies have shown interest in partnering with the Agency on waste-to-wealth initiatives, pointing out that Akwa Ibom will soon host numerous recycling projects.
Obong Ikim assured that these ventures would create thousands of job opportunities for residents and also boosting economic growth of the State.
