RIWAMA warns against blocking of creeks, gutters
The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has warned residents as well as those doing businesses along the Ikokwu and Okija Streets axis of Diobu, in the state capital to desist from dumping plastic wastes and other forms of refuses in the Nta-wogba Creek and other adjoining water channels so as not to block the free flow of water.
The Sole Administrator of the Agency, Bro. Felix Obuah gave the warning on Monday while on a monitoring exercise in the area also warned those engaging in the act to desist or face arrest and prosecution.
He regretted that the cumulated plastic wastes at the Nta-wogba Creek unavoidably empty into the adjoining rivers, thereby constituting nuisance and danger to boat operators plying the rivers.
“Aside from defacing the aesthetic look of the creek, the large concentration of plastic wastes and other disused materials pose serious threat to the health of residents and people doing business in that environment”, Bro. Obuah stated, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure a garbage-free Rivers State.
He described the Nta-wogba Creek as a strategic water channel in Port Harcourt, pointing out that blocking the free flow of the channel could lead to serious flooding, especially at the Ikokwu, D/Line and other areas of the State capital.
The Sole Administrator particularly charged motor mechanics and spare parts dealers at Ikokwu and Okija Streets to cultivate the culture of bagging their wastes and dispose them at the RIWAMA approved receptacles nearest to them between the dumping hours of 6pm to 12 midnight.
“This is a clarion call on everyone to work to keep the State clean and healthy, as offenders would be punished to serve as a deterrent to others”, Bro. Obuah warned.
