Wike decries inability to tackle waste satisfactorily in Rivers

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers says his administration has spent N500 million monthly on waste management without satisfactory result.

Wike disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Tuesday during a media chat with newsmen in the state in commemoration of his administration’s 3rd anniversary.

He lamented that the funds and efforts so far expended on waste management had yet to yield any desired impact.

In order to get better results, the governor said that he would consider employing another waste contractor in hopes he would do a better job.

He said that he was also considering venturing into recycling for waste-to-wealth project.

“The issue of waste is worrisome even in Nigeria. This is an area I think I have not done well; it is very critical and challenging.

“So far, my administration has ordered more than 20,000 waste bins to enhance proper waste collection and disposal within the metropolis and its environs.

“I am reiterating my administration’s readiness to rid the state capital and its environs of waste.

“We need all residents cooperation to restore Port Harcourt to its Garden City status,’’ Wike said.

He said that his administration might introduce a taskforce on waste collection in special places like markets, shops and other places where high volume of refuse are generated.

“We will clamp down on street trading to boost sanitation in the Port Harcourt metropolis and environs

“Street traders from neighboring states who do not contribute revenue to the state come to do business in the morning and litter the city with refuse.

“It is inherent in us to drop waste everywhere and litter the environment,’’ the governor said.