Plateau Commercialises Refuse Collection

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By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
‎ Worried by increasing solid waste and hazardous problems associated with our population, Plateau State Government has engaged the services of 14 private companies for effective collection of refuse within Jos metropolis.
 The state Commissioner of Environment and Mineral Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba has said that the problem of waste is now a global issue.
 Speaking at the flag off and the presentation of operational license to the private operators, he noted that partnership in waste disposal became inevitable.  
 He said the rapid increase in the volume and type of solid waste as result of the continuous economic growth, urbanization, industrialization and population density of Jos necessitated the policy.
 “ Basel convention estimates that hazardous and other waste generated globally was 1.02 billion tons with an annual increase of seven per cent “.
 According to him,  ” this means that by 2018 we will be generating about 3.83 trillion tons of municipal waste globally“.
 The commissioner explained that after studying the “reasons behind the past failures in achieving effective waste collection and disposal, the ministry engaged various stakeholders dialogue“
 The state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Rufus Bature said  choice of Plateau State capital to kick start the private management of waste collection and disposal is very strategic owing to the population density of the metropolis and the city centre which forms the nucleus of the state.
 “Our target on the Plateau is to achieve a global standard in sanitation which eventually will put Plateau State amongst the best cities in Nigeria.
Waste, whether solid, liquid or gas have different methods of disposal and management. Every waste if not properly treated pose a threat to human health and also have adverse effect on our environment and the ecosystem.“
 He noted that the 3 Rs Reduce; Re-use; and Recycle is utilized for a society free of dirt.
 “Currently, Government is working with some reputable International Partners to re-use the waste into profitable venture which in the long run will help in achieving the desired goals, as well as generate employment opportunity for our teeming unemployed youths.
In line with the global best practices as spelt out in the 1992, Rio Declaration, the Pulluter Pays Principle(PPP), he said shall be applied in order to involve every citizens towards attaining a clean and healthy environment for the common good of the state.
   “Let me assure the engaged private waste operators of government’s firm commitment to this programme, you must reciprocate by keeping your side of the terms of engagement and never over-exploit the citizens.
“I call on citizens to support the initiatives and give all the waste management operators the maximum corporation  to rid off waste in the state as I present certificate of engagement to the successful private waste operators and flag-pff the privatization of waste collection programme in Plateau State.“

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