By Ife Osemedua
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will begin the distribution of 36 waste disposal trucks, two boat ambulances and 162 waste bins to the nine Niger Delta states to improve healthcare and sanitation on February 1.
The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.
A statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said the NDDC’s Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, also directed delivery of the equipment to Ministries of Environment on Monday.
The statement read in part: “We know that health is wealth; so, the trucks and waste disposal bins were acquired to assist the various states in dealing with environmental pollution.
“They were also acquired to assist in clearing of wastes from streets so that we can keep a clean environment.”
The press release added that Awka decried a situation where supplies were left to rot in warehouses while they were in dire need in NDDC states, and directed that they should be distributed timeously to states according to their oil production output.
He also directed that a truck meant for the commission should be delivered to Rivers State as host of the commission’s headquarters in addition to one boat ambulance. The other one, he said, should be delivered to Akwa Ibom to enhance healthcare delivery in riverine areas.
“The resources tied down here (warehouse) belong to the government and people of the Niger Delta; they should be made available to them for proper utilisation.
“How can we have such new equipment lying waste when ministries of environment in the states have need for them?
“The ministries should be contacted immediately to take delivery of the trucks and other equipment for the well being of our people,” he said.