By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Residents have protested the non-evacuation of dirts which have continued to remain on major roads and streets of Port Harcourt.
NatureNews correspondent who visited some major areas of the city on Thursday, observed that heaps of dirt have remained on the East- West Road by Rumoukruishi Tank for one month.
Traders around the Tank Market lamented that since the beginning of the construction of the flyover approved by the government, the road has now become a dumpsite for many traders and personnel of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency have not come to evacuate the dirts.
According to a meat seller, Mr Abdul, “the environment is a mess and unconducive for food traders and buyers.”
At another location around Rumoudara Junction, NatureNews correspondent observed that the dumpsite which is usually cleared every morning has now be left uncleared for the past two weeks.
Other areas like Choba, Ada- George Road, Elelenwo/Akpajo, Egbelu-Ogbogoro Road, Oil Mill Junction, Iwofe Road, popular Rumoukoro Junction and others have been left with heaps of dirt for 2 weeks.
NatureNews recalls that the Rivers State government terminated the contract with all private waste contractors effective from 29 April 2022.
The decision to terminate their contract with the Rivers State Management Agency (RIWAMA), stems from their inability to fulfil the contractual obligation to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for Rivers’ citizens.
However, in the interim, the Chairmen of Port Harcourt City and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas have been directed to immediately take charge of the evacuation of waste in their respective jurisdictions, pending the announcement of new waste contractors by Monday.
The Government assured residents and indigenes of the state of its resolve to tackle the waste problems in the state in a comprehensive manner.
Reacting, a resident Sylvia Efekemo said, “This is very bad. The government should take quick actions. But why are people dumping their dirt on the road? We tend to be the cause of our problems sometimes.”
Victor Tochukwu said, “It’s becoming too embarrassing. Everywhere in port Harcourt is messed up right now.”
Awaji Monday said, “The issue of leadership cannot be over flogged because it is lacking in its right state.
“However, I want to ask, are the political class the people eating the ugwu leave and head of fish that is smelling on the street?
“These are dumps from our kitchen. It is alarming that after we finish eating we dump these things here and start calling Wike.
“We know that government is needed but we as locals, we should take responsibility for these things.
“How can we eat our food, dump the remains on the road and call Wike. This is irresponsibility.
“I am a complete born Rivers man and like others I demand good governance but this is our own fault inclusive.”
