Anambra faces waste management challenges, says Obuesi.
By Uzor Odigbo
Anambra State grapples with substantial waste management challenges, marked by inadequate infrastructure and insufficient funding, which hinders efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness.
In a statement issued in Lagos, SWEEP Foundation President, Barrister Phillips Obuesi, observed that Anambra’s waste management challenges are multifaceted, involving reliance on floodwater to evacuate waste and rampant illegal dumping.
According to him, formalizing the informal waste sector is a viable solution to address these challenges.
Interestingly, the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) is working to address waste management challenges through various initiatives.
However, the state still grapples with inadequate waste collection, with only 30% of the 400 tons of solid waste generated daily in Awka, the state capital, being collected.
Ambassador Obuesi opined that the low payment rate of the annual sanitation levy, with less than 10% of residents complying, hinders ASWAMA’s effectiveness. Illegal dumping is also a significant concern, with the government intensifying enforcement to mitigate this practice.
“The informal waste sector, comprising waste collectors and recyclers, plays a crucial role in waste management. Formalizing this sector can provide a stable and sustainable solution to waste management challenges. By recognizing and supporting informal waste workers, the state can tap into their expertise and networks, improving waste collection and disposal.
A key partnership that can enable formalization is the collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, ASWAMA, and the Anambra Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA). This partnership can facilitate:
*Development of policies and regulations supporting formalization
*Provision of training and capacity-building programs for waste workers.
*Access to equipment and infrastructure for efficient waste collection and disposal. Promotion of community engagement and education on proper waste management practices”
He suggested that the Ministry of Environment can provide policy direction and oversight, while ASWAMA can implement and enforce regulations. The Anambra Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA) can represent the interests of waste workers and provide insights into the informal sector.
Formalization can also lead to improved working conditions, social protection, and economic benefits for waste workers. Additionally, it can enhance waste reduction initiatives, such as recycling programs and waste-to-energy projects, which can significantly reduce waste sent to landfills. Effective waste management also protects public health, conserves natural resources, and mitigates environmental pollution.
“The state government has launched initiatives to tackle plastic pollution, including recovering 100,000 tons of plastic waste and creating over 5,000 indirect green jobs. Building on this momentum, formalizing the informal waste sector can further improve waste management, promote sustainable development, and enhance public health
