The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has commissioned six waste disposal trucks donated to the state government by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to improve the sanitary conditions in the state.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike commended the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, for bringing a positive change to the Commission and showing willingness to collaborate with state governments in the Niger Delta region.
He lauded the NDDC for demonstrating good corporate social responsibility and encouraging the state government in its drive to restore Port Harcourt to its Garden City status. In that vein, he said, other companies in the state should borrow a leaf from NDDC.
The governor noted that this was the first time in his administration that the Commission was offering support to the Rivers State Government, stating that he would ensure that the waste disposal trucks were put to good use for the benefit of the people.
Wike said: “It is not about the monetary value of the donation but we applaud the spirit behind the good gesture. This will support our efforts in refuse disposal in the state. We want all residents of the state to learn to keep the environment clean both in their homes and in the public space.
The governor told the NDDC boss: “You have started well to make a change and it is encouraging. I urge you to extend this support to all the other Niger Delta states because we are all stakeholders.”
Earlier, The NDDC chief Executive Officer announced that the waste disposal trucks being distributed to all the nine Niger Delta states were meant to complement the efforts of the various governments to keep their environment clean.
He lauded Governor Wike for what he described as the “massive infrastructural development in Rivers State which can only be achieved by one who is focused, passionate and has the welfare of his people at heart.”
Akwa declared: “Health is wealth and the waste disposal trucks were acquired to assist the states in region to deal with the problems of environmental pollution and help in clearing wastes from the streets so that we can keep a clean environment.”
He said that the trucks would support the campaigns by the state governments to ensure a healthy environment in the Niger Delta region.