By Christian Aburime
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has tasked members of Anambra Communities on Ownership of the state waste management process.
Governor Soludo gave the charge when he inaugurated a nine-member board for Anambra State Waste Management Authority.
Members of the Board include; Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu, Prince Chris Azor as a representative of Community based Organization.
Others are Mrs Ifeoma Ezeaku, Chief Emeka Aghasili as representative of the private sector, Managing Director ASWAMA, Mr. Mike Ozoemena and Prof. Ikemefuna Uzochukwu representing the healthcare industry, as well as representatives of Aguata, Njikoka and Onitsha North local government areas.
Governor Soludo hinted that for the board to fulfill its role, participation of all players is very imperative, stating that their role is a call to service of the people of Anambra
The Governor who described waste Management as a very critical sector of the society, stressed that their primary responsibility is to keep the state clean in terms of regulation, generation, collection, disposal and processing of waste which can be recycled back to wealth, licencing of operators, among others
He asked them to interface with ministries and various organisations that generate waste, to develop a sustainable system that works. He furher charged them on the review of the work of the waste service providers who have already been engaged by the state government.
The Governor expressed optimism that with their inauguration, open dumping of refuse should stop, adding that it is his administration's desire to fashion out enforcement mechanisms for the good of the state.
Chairman of the Board, Dr. Ezenwaji gave assurances that his team will work with four basic documents to deliver on their mandate including Soludo Solution manifesto, Vision 2070 report, Transition Committee report and the ASWAMA law which he described as very comprehensive.
While harping on behavioural change among the people, he promised to put up a structure that will ensure proper enforcement and synergy with relevant MDAs, to deliver on their mandate.