Awka Residents Laud Prompt Collection Of Refuse

Some residents of Awka in
Anambra State extolled the state Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA’s) prompt collection of refuse from receptacles positioned in various locations in the state capital.
They spoke in separate interviews with newsmen in Awka.
In his contribution, a trader at the popular Eke-Awka market, Mr Lucas Arinze, said that refuse receptacles near the market had been frequently collected, adding that before now they were usually left for days before.
According to him, the refuse management of the agency‘s new wave of sanitation around the capital city should be commended.
Arinze observed that since the company started aggressive removal of refuse, traffic gridlock had also reduced on Ziks Avenue.
Another trader, Mrs Uzoamaka Okagu, who deals in fairly used clothing, said that the effort of the agency had resulted in a boom for her business.
“You see this place where we are, before now it was usually difficult for us to stay here because of the stench that used to come out of the refuse that have overstayed.
“Once the receptacle gets filled, people begin to throw refuse around it and before you know it, the place will be filled up and it will spill to the main road and even to this shop.
“Today, we see ASWAMA coming to clear the refuse every day and the traders, particularly those of us who trade around the road are happy.”
In his reaction, the Managing Director of ASWAMA, Mr Philip Chinwuba, said that the feat was the result of the motivation which the staff members of the agency were now enjoying.
According to him, part of the reason for the success is the support which Governor Willie Obiano is giving to the agency in a bid to make Awka beautiful.
“What we are doing is simply to motivate our staff and I have also shown them that the managing director can also be involved in evacuating refuse.
“I go with them to the field and also help in collecting refuse and they have seen and are motivated by that action. “Also, we have initiated daily collection of refuse, including Saturdays and Sundays; all we are asking from the people is that they should help us to comply with proper bagging of their refuse.”
He said that the government also reduced the price of refuse bags to discourage the dumping of refuse inside the drainage.