New Waste Management And Marshals Bill To Sanction Defaulters

Defaulters of the new proposed Waste and Sanitation Marshal Bill will face summary trial, according to the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule.
Amaewhule gave the hint during the public hearing for the bill held at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He noted that, “the bill will not function in isolation. Some aspects are already in existing laws. What we are doing here today is to avoid contradictions. The Sanitation Marshals will be provided with powers to arrest and the Magistrate Courts will sit to try those who default.”
He further disclosed that scavengers and others who pose problems to waste management will be arrested and tried so they will serve as deterrents to others.
On his part, member of the Environment Committee,Hon Christian Ahiakwo said the bill is aimed at reorienting the mind of the public on waste disposal.
Hon. Ahiakwo who represents Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1 in the House decried the poor attitude displayed by most residents who drop their wastes on road median assuring that when the bill becomes law, the state will witness a new waste management system in line with international best practices.
Sodin Akiagba, Coordinator of Sanitation Marshals, thanked the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike who introduced the executive bill that will incorporate the marshals and give them legal recognition after 22 years introduction..
Akiagba pledged that the marshals will ensure that their new roles as provided for in the bill are carried out with utmost responsibility and commitment, as he thanked the Assembly for giving the bill expeditious hearing.
Chairman of the Environment Committee, Hon. Dumle Maol thanked stakeholders for their contributions to ensure that the bill reflects the needs of the people, and promised that all inputs made by the experts will be reflected in the yet to be approved law.