The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) is to establish waste bank to create employment and address associated risks in the state.
The Director General, DSCTDA, Chief Patrick Ukah, disclosed this in Asaba at the weekend, saying it will also eradicate risks associated with scavenging and encourage recyclable of wastes.
Ukah said the agency would collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, the State Taskforce on Environment and the Waste Management Board, adding that such partnership has eased frictions.
The DG added that a pilot phase would be carried out in four areas before the initiative is introduced to other areas, adding that it would also encourage the PSPs to discharge their duties.
‘’We will have collection centres for the waste bank and there will be people to man those centres. So, you can bring your recyclable waste there while the organic matter will be taken to the waste dump.
‘’There, they will weigh whatever you are bringing and pay you accordingly. So, it will help us eliminate those scavengers. It is also like an empowerment initiative because people will be encouraged to dispose off their wastes properly and receive a token for doing so,’’ Ukah said.
Meanwhile, the DG said that the agency has held massive awareness campaigns, held strategic meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safer and greener capital territory in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added that the agency had also met with contractors handling projects of the agency to identify their challenges and propose ways forward.
Other stakeholders which the agency has interfaced with include landlord associations of different communities, leaders of ethnic groups, motorcycle and rickshaw operators, hoteliers, artisan associations, poultry farmers and security agencies.
In the same vein, the agency also paid advocacy visits to traditional rulers in the capital territory, including the Asagba of Asaba, the Ugoani of Okpanam and the Ogbuzor of Ibusa, to partner with them in realizing a cleaner and safer environment.