Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) said it has deployed about 100 sanitation marshals to enforce environmental standards and apprehend those who engage in indiscriminate waste disposal in unauthorized places.
The chairman of the agency, Akpan Ikim, who disclosed this in Uyo on Thursday, said the successful marshals have been trained not only on environmental management best practices but also on basic character, discipline and public perception.
While presenting them to the senior magistrate, Amanda Effiom, the chairman said that in enforcing environmental standard as directed by the state governor, the role of the court could not be overemphasized.
He said, “The sanitation marshals will apprehend all defaulters of environmental standard including indiscriminate waste handling and disposal, waste disposal at unauthorized places/time.”
In his remarks, the magistrate said every apprehended culprit would immediately appear before the sanitation court for prosecution.
Effiom expressed optimism upon receiving the sanitation marshals, saying that environmental management in the state was poised for a positive transformation.
He noted that the development demonstrates the commitment of the state government to enhance environmental governance, promote sustainable practices and ensure accountability for environmental infractions.