Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over a scrap metal recovery and recycling facility in Emohua LGA, to the Rivers State Government.
Minister of Environment Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, who handed over the facility, said the project was part of Federal Government’s waste to wealth intervention scheme in solid waste management.
Abubakar explained that the project is designed to assist States manage their municipal solid wastes in environmentally sound manner, attract investments and generate foreign exchange for country.
The Minister decried the ill manner with which metal wastes are managed, saying that the practice which poses risk to the health of the people and the environment, necessitated the idea of the recycling plant.
He added that the scrap metal facility on Emohua was the first to be completed by his Ministry, as it was a landmark achievement which would be replicated in all parts of the country.
“Scrap metals are of significant importance in modern waste management practices as they no longer considered wastes, but as resource which can be effectively recycled and converted into useful materials for use and re-manufacturing.
“However, a cursory look at our environment would reveal indiscriminate dumping of all manners of scrap metals including, end of life vehicles, construction and other types of equipment.
“This practice is unacceptable because proper management of scrap metals and indeed other types of wastes has the potential to create wealth, employment, empower the most vulnerable in our society, particularly youth and women, attract private sector participation and investment including FDI.”
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The Minister further said the facility could be upgraded to a full fledged scrap metal recycling plant and integrated waste management facility that can accommodate plastic recycling plant, material recovery facility, compost plant, incinerator, etc
Earlier, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, assured of the state’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government on any development project that will affect positively on the well-being of Rivers people.
Wike represented by the Commissioner of Environment, Igbiks Tamuno, commended the Federal Government for the project.
“The Rivers State Government is always ready to partner with the Federal Government in any project that will benefit our people and impact positively the lives of our people.
“This project is important to us because the environment is precious to us. Rivers State is the hub of oil and gas, has suffered enormous despoliation in terms of our environment. So it is pleasing to note that this facility will be handed over to us.”