Fubara shuts dumpsite on airport road

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the immediate closure of a dumpsite along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road due to its negative impact on the city’s image.

He made the announcement on Friday during the inauguration of the new Board of Directors for the Rivers State Waste Management Agency.

Governor Fubara stressed the need for an innovative approach to waste management and urged the board to identify a new location for waste disposal.

He noted the economic potential of waste management, noting its ability to create jobs and generate revenue.

“Today, I am here putting a team together to look at these challenges differently. Let it not be the regular pattern whereby, at the end of the month, you come to collect money from me for payments,” he said. “Don’t indulge in appointing your friends as sweepers, evacuators of debris, then you start building hotels, or buying big cars. Let us go beyond that and tap into the potential of waste management.

“It is an area in this world that there is so much money in. It is an area that creates employment and generates huge revenue. It is not just depending on what I will give to you. Consider what change you’ll bring to the work, that’s what I want to see in Rivers State.”

The newly appointed board, led by Engr. Edward Namiesimagh as Chairman and Hon. Orukwem Amadi-Oparaeli as Managing Director, also includes Hon. Bishop Best, Dr. Ipalibo Sogules, Richard Mazi, and Civian Y. Nwibari.

Fubara expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the dumpsite, calling it an eyesore for those entering Port Harcourt.

“Your first task should be to relocate this dump,” he said, stressing the need for a more suitable location.

The governor further warned that any failure to meet expectations would result in dismissal, stressing the importance of including all capable individuals in the waste management efforts across the state.

In his response, Namiesimagh thanked the governor for the opportunity and pledged to leverage the board’s experience to restore Port Harcourt to its “lost glory.”