The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has intensified efforts to eradicate road median dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal in Rumuolumeni community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, engaging traditional rulers, stakeholders, and security agencies in a collaborative push for cleaner environs.
Led by Managing Director Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, a RIWAMA delegation paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness King Engr. Chukwuemeka Woji Okocha Olumeni, Olumeni the XII, Natural Ruler of Nyeweli Rumuolumeni Kingdom, to strategize on sustainable waste management practices.
Rumuolumeni, home to over 10 multinational companies bolstering the state’s and national economy, has long grappled with rampant waste dumping along access roads and medians, posing serious environmental hazards and impeding business activities.
Dr. Wokoma assured residents of the agency’s resolve to end the menace, crediting Governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing adequate resources for effective waste management.
“The Governor has made sufficient provisions, so residents must comply with disposal policies to enable RIWAMA fulfil its obligations,” he stated.
Highlighting population growth as a factor in increased waste generation, he noted stark contrasts in cleanliness: areas from Ada-George remain relatively tidy, while zones from St. John’s through the market to Ignatius Ajuru University of Education suffer persistent problems due to poor dumping habits.
The agency rolled out stringent new measures for Rumuolumeni which includes
Ban on patronising cart pushers for waste collection. Prohibition of dumping waste on road medians and deployment of private service providers for efficient collection.
Dr. Wokoma said the designated dumping hours are between 6pm to 10pm only as violators will face prosecution.
He informed those at the meeting that waste is to be disposed solely at approved receptacles near IAU fence, Life Forte, Anele Filling Station with more sites forthcoming.
King Olumeni XII commended Dr. Wokoma’s detailed presentation and pledged full community cooperation.
“Rivers State is the Garden City; we must restore that glory,” he said, thanking Governor Fubara for supporting RIWAMA.
He announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to identify additional receptacle locations.
The monarch urged sustained improvements, recalling better conditions post-emergency rule and calling for resumption of early morning and night sweeping, particularly on Aker Road.
Representatives from Rumuolumeni Market Leadership, Community Development Committee, youth groups, and Ignatius Ajuru University contributed observations, with RIWAMA committing to address them.
The initiative underscores Governor Fubara’s administration’s priority on environmental sanitation and public health in the state.
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