The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, has urged market women to join forces with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s mission to achieve a clean and healthy environment.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the frequent illegal dumping of refuse in unauthorized areas, particularly markets and road medians, and emphasized the importance of collective effort to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy State.
Engr. Lawani who had a meeting with the Market Women Association of Edo State, sought the association’s support in becoming “Environmental Ambassadors” of their markets, promoting cleanliness and responsible waste disposal. He further assured the women that the Government plans to establish a recycling plant that not only tackles waste management but also provides livelihood opportunities for residents.
“As mothers of our homes and markets, women play a significant role in instilling discipline, particularly in environmental sanitation as part of home training.” he said.
Engr. Lawani also announced that a monthly award will be given to the market and its surroundings deemed the cleanest in the city, with an attractive prize attached. This initiative aims to incentivize cleanliness and enhance community participation in maintaining a healthy environment.
Mrs. Blacky Omoregie, President of the Market Women Association, commended the Commissioner for his initiative and addressed the issue of illegal dumping primarily caused by residents who dispose of waste from their homes in marketplaces. She also highlighted the need for improved waste management services, expressing dissatisfaction with some waste managers’ lax attitude towards waste collection.
In response, Mr. Charles Imariagbe, General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board, emphasized that accredited waste managers are not exempt from sanctions for neglecting their duties. He shared the board’s customer complaint numbers (08109670790, 08109670791) for residents to report any waste management concerns.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Lucky Wasa, and Heads of Departments. The Commissioner seeks to foster collaboration between the association and the Government, aiming to minimize the menace of improper waste disposal in Edo State.
