By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) has continued its statewide public sensitization campaign, engaging residents on the need to patronize only government-accredited waste collectors.
The sensitization team visited areas including Upper Lawani Road in Benin City, where households and business owners were encouraged to register with, and patronize, accredited waste collection operators.
Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director of EWMB, Amb. Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, emphasized that indiscriminate waste disposal by cart pushers contributes to blocked drains and flooding, especially during the rainy season.
According to the MD, cart pushers do not have access to approved dumpsites and therefore dispose of refuse in undesignated areas, thereby worsening environmental hazards.
“Residents should patronize approved waste collection operators, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, avoid dumping refuse on road medians, and desist from handing over their waste to cart pushers,” he said.
The EWMB team also inspected the Ahor Dumpsite where routine maintenance was ongoing with state-acquired bulldozers.
The elated Chairman recalled how dumpsites used to constitute a nuisance to host communities due to poor maintenance and lack of equipment.
He noted that Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has changed the narrative with the provision of bulldozers, which has enabled continuous maintenance of dumpsites across the state.
He appreciated the Governor for prioritizing environmental sustainability in Edo State, noting that the regular maintenance of state-owned dumpsites has greatly enhanced the efficiency of waste evacuation across the state.