By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Anambra Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) has revealed that the state government spends about N1.5 billion yearly on solid waste disposal and management across the state.
The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Amechi Akora, stated that the state capital alone generates more than 400 tons of solid waste daily, out of which only 30 per cent is collected.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, Akora said that other major commercial centres in the state such as Nnewi and Onitsha also generated huge tons of waste daily.
He said that reckless and indiscriminate disposal of waste along the roads and streets has led to blockage of sewage and drainage networks, adding that less than 10 per cent of residents of the state pay the annual sanitation levy.
“Much of the waste is generated by households and in some cases, by institutions, corporate organisations, local industries, artisans and traders which litters the immediate surroundings.
“It is a fact that improper collection and disposal of waste can result in water pollution, land pollution, drainage blockage, flooding and infrastructural degradation,” he said.
“Sanitation levy is paid annually into government’s account – N2,400 for single room, N3,600 for three-bedroom flat, N6,000 for bungalow, N12,000 for duplex.
“Shops, institutions and organisations have their rates too.
“Most of the organisations comply with the payment but many residents still claim that they are not aware of the levy.
“We will continue to sensitise our people on the need to demonstrate patriotic and positive attitudinal change on the issue of environmental sanitation,” he said.
“I want our people to note that maintenance of clean environment is a collective responsibility and the environment we neglect today will take revenge on us tomorrow,” he said.
