By DADA AYOKHAI
The Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Amb. Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, has expressed concern that some members of the public view compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation restrictions as government harassment and intimidation.
Recall that a High Court in Benin had voided the restriction of movement during the exercise, but the State Government has indicated its intention to appeal the judgment.
The Managing Director, who acknowledged receiving strong support from Governor Monday Okpebholo to keep Edo clean and healthy, spoke during an interview with _BorderlineNews24_ in Benin City.
He defended the three-hour restriction, stating that dedicating one morning a month to cleanliness and health is justified, and also gives busy residents time to rest — contrary to those who have gone to court to challenge it.
He further disclosed that the Waste Management Board is placing more emphasis on enlightenment than enforcement. To this end, about 200 agents have been engaged to spread the message of environmental cleanliness, using megaphones to visit markets and other designated areas across the state.
He also revealed that most of the refuse dumped along road medians is not from the markets. Instead, residents around market areas often dump waste there in the middle of the night to avoid paying the token refuse tariff.
To resolve the issue, the state government has installed cameras within the designated areas.
These cameras will serve a triple purpose: expose culprits, aid security operations, and improve monitoring across the state.
The Managing Director also spoke on the state’s long-term plan to convert waste to wealth.
He recalled the poor state of equipment he met on assumption of office — rickety trucks and abandoned dumpsites. Today, he said, the Board can now boast of payloaders, caterpillars, and four functional dumpsites.
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