The Edo State Waste Management Board announced on Friday that it has apprehended and prosecuted over 160 individuals for improper waste disposal, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat indiscriminate refuse disposal. The board has implemented several concrete measures to address this pressing issue.
Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, the managing director of the board, spoke to reporters in Benin City ahead of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 100 days in office.
He highlighted the board’s recent acquisition of advanced waste disposal equipment, including tippers, payloaders, and tractors, to enhance waste management operations.
Enehita-Inegbenehi attributed previous inefficiencies in waste disposal to the shortcomings of waste managers, leading to the termination of contracts with 13 of them, with an additional 50 contracts expected to follow.
He stated, “On assumption of office, we have been able to reverse the situation. We have purchased tippers, tractors, and payloaders. We also realized that Edo State is very dirty.”
He noted significant improvements in areas previously plagued by waste, including the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Agbor Roads, as well as market areas in New Benin and Oba markets.
“In January, we swung into action and deployed our payloaders and tippers to the same road. The reverse is now the case,” he added.
While acknowledging challenges in managing waste at markets, Enehita-Inegbenehi emphasized that these markets fall under the jurisdiction of local governments. He stated that the board has collaborated with waste managers to provide support for refuse evacuation, resulting in daily clean-ups in these areas.
To further deter illegal dumping, the board has established a roving team equipped with cameras to monitor black spots throughout the city, apprehending offenders as early as 2 a.m. Enehita-Inegbenehi reported, “We have apprehended 160 offenders in less than three months; some of them are prosecuted for community service and fines.”
Looking ahead, the board is also exploring a partnership with experts from India to establish a waste recycling plant in Edo State, signaling a commitment to sustainable waste management practices.
