Maha Christopher
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced plans to partner with investors and organisations capable of transforming the state’s waste management challenges into a profitable and sustainable waste-to-wealth economy.
According to The Punch, Eno made the disclosure during a media interaction in Uyo on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of his administration.
The governor expressed dissatisfaction with the environmental condition of the state despite substantial funding allocated to the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.
He said he had directed the agency to seek private sector partners with the expertise to convert waste into economic opportunities.
“I have directed the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to let us get a company that can help us work to turn this waste into wealth. The day we find that company and partner with them, you will not see waste again in our state,” Eno said.
“We are doing so much but getting few results. I want the agency to say how much we have put into it since I became the governor of the state,” he added.
The governor also urged residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse and stressed the need for increased public awareness on proper waste disposal practices.
On infrastructure development, Eno disclosed that his administration has completed more than 1,348 kilometres of roads within three years.
According to him, the achievement compares favourably with the more than 2,700 kilometres of roads reportedly delivered by the Federal Government during the same period.
“Gentlemen, we have fixed 1,348 kilometres of roads in this state. Even the Federal Government, which is fixing 2,700 kilometres, check the President’s broadcast. And if the Federal Government has done 2,700 and the subnational is doing and has completed 1,348 kilometres, that subnational should be celebrated,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that no administration can construct every road in the state but maintained that his government has focused on economically viable projects across all local government areas.
“There’s no local government in the state where road contracts have not been awarded. These are verifiable things,” Eno stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and environmental sustainability as part of efforts to drive economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
