Rivers waste management agency begins compulsory profiling of scrap dealers, scavengers
Rivers State Waste Management Agency Begins Profiling of Scrap Dealers and Waste Recyclers
The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has initiated a compulsory profiling process for scrap dealers, waste recyclers, refurbishers, and PET bottle scavengers operating in the state. This effort aims to identify legitimate operators and mitigate illegal activities within the sector.
Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, managing director of RIWAMA, stated that the profiling exercise will help the agency develop a comprehensive database of operators. He highlighted that it will also address issues such as theft, vandalism, harassment, and other criminal activities associated with illegal scavenging.
In a statement issued following a meeting in Port Harcourt, Wokoma criticized some scavengers for vandalizing government properties and ripping open properly bagged waste in search of recyclables, which contributes to littering in public spaces.
Wokoma urged individuals who engage with these scavengers to reconsider their actions, branding them as accomplices in the problem. He advocated for a robust plan to combat illegal scavenging and its negative impacts.
Under the new directive, all individuals involved in scrap dealing, recycling, refurbishing, or PET bottle collection must complete a profiling form, attach necessary documentation, and submit it to RIWAMA within one month.
RIWAMA announced that enforcement teams would begin operations once the one-month period concludes, emphasizing the necessity for operators to adhere to the profiling requirements. The agency has introduced a verification application to assist field officers in scanning and confirming the identities of operators during enforcement activities.
Failure to provide the required information will be considered a violation of RIWAMA law, potentially resulting in enforcement action.
This profiling initiative comes amid rising concerns about the deteriorating waste management situation in Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt, where significant areas are overwhelmed by refuse. Residents have expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of current waste management strategies and the government’s capability to maintain Port Harcourt’s reputation as the “Garden City.”
The situation has worsened since the declaration of emergency rule, with RIWAMA grappling with challenges in clearing designated waste collection points. As a consequence, some residents have begun to dispose of waste indiscriminately, including dumping refuse in unauthorized locations and on roadways.
