Environmental violations: Akwa Ibom agency to establish surveillance of strategic sites in Uyo

Concerned about the indiscriminate dumping of garbage and other environmental violations in Akwa Ibom State, especially in the Uyo metropolis, the State Environment Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) said it would deploy Ibom Community Watch officers to critical areas to enforce environmental regulations.

Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Prince Ikeem, who disclosed this to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, said the exercise would commence on November 1, 2024, adding that it was aimed at protecting the health and welfare of the people.

He said officers would be empowered to enforce environmental laws, urging residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with them.

Ikim explained that operatives of Ibom Watch, a security outfit owned by the state government, would be strategically positioned along major routes including Nwaniba Road, Four Lanes, Oron Road, Airport Road, Shelter Africa, Udo Udoma and Ikot Ekpene Road.

Others include Stadium Road, IBB Road, Ikpa Road, NEPA Line, Aka Etinan, Idoro Road, Abak Road, Ring Road 3, Uruan Street, Aka Road, Brooks Street, Atiku and other places in Uyo metropolis to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. rules.

His words: “As part of Governor Umo Ino’s ARISE program for sustainable environmental management, the Akwa Ibom State Environment and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) will deploy Ibom Community Watch officers to critical areas of Uyo metropolis to curb indiscriminate dumping of waste and other environmental violations.

“This initiative follows recent education and awareness campaigns and represents a coordinated effort between AKSEPWMA and Ibom Community Watch, a state security agency overseen by the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, as well as other security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force.”

The AKSEPWMA chief hinted that after deploying 100 officers to the agency, they were thoroughly retrained on basic intelligence requirements and compliance with environmental laws without any violations.