by crossriverwatch admin
The Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved a new dump site for the Cross River Waste Management Agency.
The House approved that the present dump site at Lemna road in Calabar, should be relocated to Awi Gmelina Plantation in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
Presenting the report, Mr Joseph Bassey, Chairman of the committee on Niger Delta Development Commission and Environmental Matters, said that the current dump site at Lemna road constituted health hazard to the people.
Bassey who represents Calabar South state constituency in the assembly said that the Lemna area was chosen as a dump site at a time the area was not a residential area.
He said that the situation now poses a serious threat to public health and environmental disaster.
According to him, with the rapid population growth and increase in economic activities, the quantity of solid waste generated has increased; hence, there was a need for relocation.
“Over 100 hectares of land have been carved out in Awi gmelina plantation. The area lies approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Calabar-Ikom highway.
“The land mass which is 100 hectares is said to be adequate for integrated waste management system which will allow waste to be managed efficiently, including separation and recycling.
“The committee prayed that the state government will make adequate provision of funds for the development and actualization of the new dump site at Awi’’, he said.
Also speaking, Mr Moses Abeng-Onoh, a member of the committee, said that the report was well written, adding that it was important to relocate the dump site.
Abeng-Onoh who represents Obubra state constituency, said that the dump site was causing health challenges to residents of the area.
Mr. Larry Odey, Speaker of the Assembly, who spoke after unanimous support by members of the assembly on the report, said that it was necessary for residents of Lemna road to live in a healthy environment.
Odey who represents Yala state constituency, commended the committee for their good work, and added that the relocation of the dump site was timely as it was causing health challenges to residents of the area.
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