The Delta State Waste Management Board bill has passed second reading on the floor of the State Assembly.
Sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo and 12 others, the bill seeks to repeal the Delta State Waste Management Law of 2008, and enact a new one that will take effect from the day it is read the third time and passed by the State Legislature.
The lead sponsor of the bill and Deputy Speaker of the House, led robust debate on its second reading at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Opening his arguments on the merits of the bill, Rt Hon Akpowovwo explained that the bill was made up of 7 parts and 48 clauses, saying that the main focus was to strengthen the legal framework of the Waste Management system in Delta State.
According to the Deputy Speaker, who represents Ethiope East in the House, the world was evolving, hence the need for a holistic approach that would go with the times.
Emphasizing that change remained the only constant thing in life, Akpowowo maintained that there was need to repeal the existing Waste Management Law as it had lost touch with the present day realities.
The Deputy Speaker pointed out that the proposed law would address all the shortcomings in the existing Waste Management Law enacted in 2008, as its provisions had been updated to reflect best practices.
“Mr Speaker, dear colleagues, as you know, waste management system has evolved over the years, especially as it relates to environmental sustainability.
“This bill before us is made up of 7 parts and 48 clauses. It seeks to repeal the Waste Management Law of 2008 and enact a new law in conformity with the present day environmental practices in waste disposal and management.
“I therefore urge you my colleagues to support this bill and give it a speedy passage as our intervention in effective waste management in the state is crucial to ensuring a clean and sustainable healthy environment in Delta State”, Akpowowo stated.
Other Lawmakers and co-sponsors of the bill also highlighted the benefits of the proposed law and called for speedy legislative actions.
They noted that the proposed law would not only engender a cleaner environment in the state but create job opportunities and generate revenue for the state.
The Legislators said ensuring environmental sustainability was a key component of the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.
The second reading of the bill enjoyed unanimous support when put to voice votes by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, who subsequently referred it to the House Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas for further legislative scrutiny.
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