October 03, (THEWILL) — Governor Siminalayi Fubara has suspended the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Rivers State, directing the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) to adopt a more sustainable, people-oriented approach to waste management.
The governor gave the directive during a closed-door meeting with RIWAMA Board Chairman, Samuel Nwanosike, and the agency’s Managing Director, Ibimina Wokoma, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Nwanosike announced that the statewide sanitation exercise scheduled for October 4 had been suspended until further notice.
He explained that the move was part of efforts to implement long-term solutions to the state’s waste management challenges.
“The governor wants a new approach that puts a human face to waste management, ensuring Rivers people enjoy the best outcomes,” Nwanosike said.
He disclosed that the governor had also ordered the establishment of properly managed dump sites, engineered landfills, and other infrastructure to tackle indiscriminate dumping and blocked drainage channels.
Wokoma, in his remarks, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment. He cautioned residents not to mistake the suspension for a license to neglect their surroundings.
“Sanitation is a daily responsibility. Residents should continue to bag their refuse properly, dispose of them at designated collection points, and desist from illegal dumping,” the RIWAMA boss said.
He added that service providers remain available to collect waste from approved points as the agency works to implement the governor’s new directive.
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