The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has arrested and arraigned 18 individuals for offenses related to improper waste disposal and violations of the state’s environmental laws.
The offenders were apprehended by RIWAMA’s enforcement team across various locations, engaging in activities detrimental to the environment and undermining efforts to promote cleanliness in the metropolis.
In a statement to journalists, RIWAMA’s Director of Legal Affairs, Helen Ohaka, emphasized that the arrests signal a zero-tolerance approach towards indiscriminate waste disposal.
“This is no longer business as usual,” she stated.
Ohaka disclosed that of the 18 individuals brought before the RIWAMA mobile court, 14 received fines corresponding to their offenses, while two were sentenced to the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
The remaining two, according to her, were discharged by the presiding magistrate.
The RIWAMA legal affairs director urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and business premises, warning that improper waste disposal poses significant health and environmental risks.
Additionally, she commended Hon. Prince Obi Ohia, RIWAMA’s Ag. Sole Administrator, for his leadership in establishing the mobile court and ensuring that environmental offenders are held accountable.
Signed: Obed Douglas
Special Assistant on Electronic Media to Hon Prince Ohia, Acting Sole Administrator, RIWAMA.
