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, 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 is made up of 7 parts and 48 clauses, saying that the main focus is 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 is evolving, hence the need for a wholistic approach that would go with current realities.
Emphasizing that the only thing that is constant in life is change, Akpowowo maintained that there was need to repeal the existing Waste Management Law as its provisions have become obsolete and enact a new law that would be interdem with modern standards.
The Deputy Speaker pointed out that the proposed law has taken care of all the shortcomings in the existing Waste Management Law enacted in 2008, as its provisions have been updated to reflect modern standards.
“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 modern standards and practices in waste disposals and management.
“I therefore urged you my colleagues to support this bill and give it a speedy passage as our intervention in effective waste management in the state is essential 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.
The Lawmakers noted that the proposed law would not only engender a cleaner environment in the state but create jobs opportunities and generate revenue in the state financial system.
They said ensuring environmental sustainability is a key component of the MORE Agenda of the state government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
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.