AEPB DIRECTOR CHARGES WASTE CONTRACTORS ON PROMPT WASTE COLLECTION
By: Janet Peni & Oji Moses
The Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mrs. Kate Ocheze Ogbonna, has charged waste and cleaning contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve their performance by ensuring prompt and proper waste evacuation across Abuja.
Mrs. Ogbonna made the call during an interactive meeting with contractors at the headquarters of the Board in Abuja. She expressed concern over reports from supervisors who monitor the daily operations of the contractors, noting that their performance had not met expected standards.
“The reports at my disposal from supervisors who monitor the contractors are not encouraging,” she said. “This meeting was organized to properly educate and guide them on the full weight of their responsibilities as waste managers and evacuators. We want them to understand the standards expected of them.”
She explained that the Board had already established rules and agreements guiding the contractors’ schedules and routine operations, stressing that the ultimate goal was to ensure the Federal Capital City remains clean.
Mrs. Ogbonna also noted that the FCT Minister has been fulfilling his commitment to pay contractors promptly, adding that contractors therefore have no justification for failing to meet their obligations.
“I am aware that every job comes with challenges,” she said. “However, contractors should procure the necessary equipment and engage more workers to make their operations easier and more efficient. The Board is ready to assist them where necessary, but they signed agreements confirming their capability.”
On the issue of indiscriminate dumping of construction waste, the Director said the Board is collaborating with the Department of Development Control, which is responsible for regulating such activities, to ensure proper disposal of construction debris.
She also appealed to residents and businesses in Abuja to play their part by paying their waste and cleaning bills promptly and providing adequate waste bins appropriate for their homes and business premises.
“Waste management is capital intensive. Residents must fulfill their responsibilities as well,” she said. “You cannot owe waste contractors and expect efficient service. Also, using a bin meant for one household for a block of ten flats will inevitably lead to overflow and environmental pollution.”
Mrs. Ogbonna stressed that collective responsibility was necessary to keep Abuja clean, pollution-free, and safe from disease outbreaks.
Also speaking, the Director of Solid Waste Management (North) at AEPB, Mr. Benjamin Enwerem, identified illegal night-time roadside activities as one of the challenges affecting effective waste management.
According to him, some illegal vendors and event operators organize night parties along roadsides, generating large amounts of waste and leaving behind litter that often turns into illegal dump sites around residential and commercial areas.
“We have taken note of these complaints and will deploy our task force to address the situation,” he said.
Mr. Enwerem, however, acknowledged that despite some lapses, the contractors have shown improvement compared to last year, particularly with the addition of more capable personnel to the cleaning workforce.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, the Chairman of the Association of Solid Waste Contractors, Mallam Ibrahim Babayo, commended the Board for organizing the meeting.
He said the session was enlightening and assured that contractors would improve their services by acquiring modern equipment, employing more workers, and increasing the frequency of waste collection across the city.
