On Tuesday, the Edo House of Assembly adopted a resolution, calling the state government to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise every last Saturday across all local government councils.

The parliament’s resolution also seeks to implement a more effective waste management disposal system in Edo.

The adoption of the resolution followed the consideration of a motion by the Majority leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian (PDP Ovia North-East I), and co-sponsored by eight other lawmakers.

Moving the motion, Mr Aiguobarueghian said the local government law 2000, as amended, provides that every council shall provide and maintain public conveniences, sewage, and refuse disposals.

He explained that in the past, Edo residents strictly complied with the environmental sanitation policy, which ensured that all parts of the state, especially the Benin metropolis, were cleaned regularly.

He noted that efforts by successive administrations to revive the environmental policy failed, leading to unpleasant heaps of refuse and blocked drainages and waterways across the state.

The majority leader said investment in waste recycling bins would go a long way to tackle the menace of used plastic containers and cellophane materials.

According to him, it has become expedient for the state government to reactivate effective measures to tackle the environmental sanitation issues by reintroducing the monthly sanitation exercise, emphasising severe sanctions for defaulters.

Other lawmakers unanimously supported and adopted the resolution and called on the 18 council chairs to implement measures to effectively monitor and manage the desilting of drainages and waterways in their domain. 

(NAN)