By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has intervened in the ongoing waste management challenges in Owerri, assuring residents of swift restoration of sanitation services across the state capital.
The intervention followed growing concerns over refuse accumulation in parts of Owerri and its environs, reportedly linked to operational lapses by the state’s waste management agency.
The governor, during an unscheduled visit to the Eastern Waste Management Corporation (EWAMAC), said his administration would not tolerate lapses that threaten public health and environmental standards.
“A clean and healthy environment remains central to our development agenda. We will ensure that normal waste management operations are restored without delay,” Uzodimma said during the visit.
He engaged management and operational staff of the agency to ascertain the root causes of the disruption and directed immediate corrective measures to address the situation.
Sources within the agency said the governor’s visit had already triggered renewed coordination and deployment of resources to clear accumulated waste in critical areas across the state capital.
“The intervention has led to immediate action. There is now improved coordination, and resources are being mobilised to tackle the backlog of waste, especially in high-traffic locations,” a source familiar with the development said.
The ongoing efforts are also expected to strengthen reforms within EWAMAC, particularly in improving operational efficiency and accountability in service delivery.
Some residents who spoke on the development expressed cautious optimism as clean-up activities resumed in parts of the city.
“We are beginning to see movement again in some areas. We just hope the government sustains this effort so the city can return to normal,” a resident said.
Government officials maintained that the situation was temporary and under control, urging residents to cooperate by adhering to proper waste disposal practices.
“This is a temporary setback. We appeal to residents to support ongoing efforts by disposing of waste responsibly while we work to fully restore operations,” an official said.
Uzodimma’s intervention has been seen by observers as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to environmental sanitation and responsive governance.
Authorities expressed confidence that with sustained action, normalcy would be restored in the coming days, improving environmental conditions and restoring public confidence.
