Lack of "political will" fueling waste pollution in Delta - environmentalists

Environmentalists have identified lack of "political will" among others, as a problem in curbing plastic, as well as other wastes pollution across Delta state.

This was asserted at a seminar organized by the Nigerian Environmental Society, NES Delta State Chapter, to mark the World Earth Day 2018 with theme "End Plastic Pollution", held at Uvwie Local Government Council Secretariat, at the weekend.

Speaking at the event, immediate past-Chairman of NES Delta State Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Tudararo Aherobo, lamented the poor response of government to issues bordering on the environment, pointing out that government's dive into waste management will create wealth and health for all.

Recalling several unfruitful attempts to draw government's attention to discuss ways to manage and rid the State of wastes, Dr. Aherobo revealed that some operators of the PSP have affiliations with top politicians who prevent necessary sanctions when jobs are done poorly.

She stressed thus: “the political will to ensure waste is managed well is a big challenge in Delta State. Government should declare a state of emergency on waste management, government is supposed to provide engineered landfill dumpsites, subsidies the interest on loans given to them (refuse collectors) and provide recycling machineries for wastes.”

The Chairman, Mr. Solomon Awani had earlier called for the need to reduce, reuse and stop plastic production.

“The best solution is simply to use much less plastic especially in throwaway items and to pressurize elected officials to ban the use of plastic products for which other less harmful alternatives are available. A reusable string bag can be used to carry groceries and other purchases to avoid the use of throwaway plastic bags which are environmentally harmful even if they are recycled. Cloth or canvas bags can also be used,” he emphasized.

A member of NES and Public Relations Officer of Delta State Chapter, Mr. Joseph Gbagbeke, described the menace of plastic pollution as "detrimental to human existence. He noted that unlike in developed countries where plastics are recycled as provided by the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA laws by plastic producers or the use of alternative products in packaging, the case is the reverse with developing nations. 

Earlier, the NES Internal Auditor, Mr. Jevi Eduzuka, in a welcome address, expressed the Society's determination to reach all stakeholders, both waste generators and managers, so as to end plastic pollution and ensure good environmental practices by all stakeholders.

Others personalities present includes: Chairmen of Warri South and Udu Local Government Areas PSP, Mr. Hope Idundun and Mr. Godspower Duwara respectively. They both called for government support for the PSP by providing dump location and providing support and an enabling environment for PSP to function properly. NES was advised to increase its advocacy for better environmental management and synchronize all stakeholders for smooth cooperation.

It will be recalled that recently, the NES embarked on a Cleanup and Awareness exercise at the popular Effurun Market in Uvwie Local Government Area, to enlighten people on how to dispose plastic waste. The Society cleared the waste in the market and segregated plastic waste which were sent to the recycling company.

Officials of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Delta State Chapter, Delta State Waste Management Board, Uvwie Council Health Officers, Executive members of Effurun Market as well as some Traders at the Market Secretariat

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