AKSEPWMAN inaugurates 100-man surveillance team to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has set up a 100-man surveillance team to tackle the problem of indiscriminate dumping of waste by citizens.

Speaking to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Dr Prince Ikim said from November 1, 2024, Ibom Community Watch (ICW) officers, a state security outfit supervised by the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways will be strategically stationed at major routes in Uyo.

Ikim explained that the 100-man ICW team would apprehend persons who do not comply with environmental regulations regarding the dumping of waste, adding that the agency is committed to the enforcement of environmental laws.

“In line with His Excellency’s ARISE Agenda of environmental sustainability, we all know that environmental issues in Akwa Ibom State have moved from being politicized to securitized,” he said.

Ikim listed the routes to include: Nwaniba Road, Four Lanes, Oron Road, Airport Road, Shelter Afrique, Udo Udoma, Ikot Ekpene Road, Stadium Road, IBB Road, Ikpa Road, NEPA Line, Aka Etinan, Idoro Road, Abak Road, Ring 3 Road, Uruan Street, Aka Road, Brooks Street, Atiku, and other locations within the Uyo metropolis.

He revealed that the 100 ICW officers were re-trained on basic intelligence requirements for the enforcement of environmental laws, adding that at the end of the training, they are equipped to do the job and fit in character.

He called on residents and all stakeholders to cooperate with the officers, adding that the aim is to protect the health and well-being of millions of inhabitants in Akwa Ibom State.