The Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, has charged market women in the State to support Governor Godwin Obaseki’s mandate to achieve a clean and healthy environment.
Lawani gave the charge when he held a meeting with the Market Women Association of Edo State in his office.
The Commissioner who decried the incessant dumping of refuse in unauthorised places especially markets and on the median along some major roads, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the State is kept clean, safe and healthy for all.
He revealed that the purpose of the meeting is to solicit their support to ensure the State achieves the objective.
In his words, “Women as mothers of our homes and markets play a major role in instilling discipline especially on environmental sanitation as part of home training’’.
He called for synergy between the association and the Government while enjoining them to be ‘Environmental Ambassadors’ of their respective markets.
Lawani assured the women of the Government’s plans to build a recycling plant that will not only recycle waste but will also provide livelihood for residents.
He announced that, at the end of each month, there will be an award for the cleanest market and its environment in the city that will attract a handsome prize.
President of the Association, Mrs. Blacky Omoregie, who applauded the Commissioner for the initiative, said the challenge of illegal dumping of refuse in market places is mostly carried out by residents who had formed the habit of bringing refuse from their homes and dumping it in market places.
Mrs. Omoregie also complained about the lackadaisical attitude of some waste managers who do not evacuate waste from the market on time.
She however assured the Commissioner of the Associations readiness to partner with the Ministry to reduce the menace to its barest minimum.
Also Speaking, the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Charles Imariagbe, said the accredited waste managers are not exempted from sanctions for failing to perform their duties.
He then shared the Board’s Customer Complaint Numbers (08109670790, 08109670791) for any complaints concerning waste management.
Present at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Lucky Wasa, and Heads of Departments.