The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has warned residents as well as those doing business along Ikokwu and Okija Streets in Port Harcourt to desist from dumping plastic wastes and other forms of debris at the Ntanwogba Creek and other adjoining water channels, as such acts hamper the free flow of water at the creek.
The Sole Administrator of the agency, Bro. Felix Obuah, who gave the warning yesterday while carrying out his daily morning monitoring of Port Harcourt and its environs, warned those engaging in the act to desist henceforth or face arrest and prosecution.
Obuah regretted that the cumulated plastic wastes at Ntanwogba Creek unavoidably empty into the river thereby constituting nuisance and danger to boat operators plying the coasts.
“Aside from defacing the aesthetic look of the creek, the large concentration of plastic wastes and other disused materials pose serious threat to the health of residents and people doing business in that environment”, Obuah stated, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure a garbage-free Rivers State.
The RIWAMA boss, who described the Ntanwogba Creek as a strategic water channel in Port Harcourt, warned that blocking the free flow of the channel could lead to serious flooding especially at the Ikokwu, D/Line and other areas of Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He particularly charged motor mechanics and spare part dealers at Ikokwu and Okija streets to cultivate the culture of bagging their wastes and dispose them at the RIWAMA approved receptacles nearest to them and between the hours of 6pm to 12 midnight dumping period.
He said it was only by so doing that the Garden City status of Port Harcourt, the state capital would be restored, stressing that the cooperation of all was required to achieve the goal.
“This is a clarion call on everyone to work to keep the state clean and healthy, as offenders would be punished to serve as a deterrent to others”, Obuah warned.