Assembly Approves Site For Waste Management

The Cross River House
of Assembly has approved a new dump site for the Cross River Waste Management Agency.
The assembly approved that the present dump site at Lemna road in Calabar be relocated to Awi-Gmelina plantation in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Presenting the report during plenary, Mr Joseph Bassey, the Chairman of the committee on Niger Delta Development Commission and Environmental Matters, said that the current dump site at Lemna road was constituting a health hazard to residents of the area.
Bassey said that the Lemna area was chosen as a dump site when the area was not a residential area but the situation now posed a serious threat to public health.
He noted that with the rapid population growth and increase in economic activities, the quantity of solid waste generated had increased hence; the need for relocation.
“Over 100 hectares of land have been carved out in Awi-Gmelina plantation. The areas lie approximately 1.5 kms from the Calabar-Ikom highway.
“The land mass which is 100 hectares is said to be adequate for integrated waste management system which will allow waste to be managed efficiently, including separation and recycling.
“We pray the state government to provide adequate funds for the development and actualisation of the new dump site at Awi,’’ he said.
Also speaking, another member of the committee, Mr Moses Abeng-Onoh,  supported the relocation of the dump site as it was causing health challenges to residents of the area.
Ruling on the matter the Speaker, Mr Larry Odey,  noted that it was necessary for residents of Lemna road to live in a healthy environment and commended the committee for their good work.