Imo Residents Task Governor on Waste Mgt, Security

Sunday Okobi

The residents of Imo State have urged the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to strengthen the cleanliness, security, and safety of lives and property of the people of the state by calling officials of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) and the Imo State Waste Management Agency (ISWAMA) to order.

They noted that the activities of these agencies have continued to threaten the peace, health and security of the people of the state, as they have allegedly deviated from their original responsibilities.

Describing the action of the government workers as condemnable and totally unacceptable, the residents, who spoke to journalists, called on the governor to immediately intervene to remedy the ugly situation.

Aside from the allegations of harassment and extortion of businesses and shop owners leveled against the staff of the OCDA, the residents alleged that the taskforce activities might pose severe security and safety challenges to women, children and the entire Imolites.

They also complained that ISWAMA, which was created from the disbanded Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), has allegedly reneged on its duties of keeping the state clean and free from debris, thereby allowing residents suffocate with refuse stench, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to journalists recently, one of the residents who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “It appears that OCDA officials are not only compromised but also in support with syndicate of road side vendors.”

“It is no longer news that officials of the OCDA, majorly field workers, have become lords in Imo State, extorting and harassing Imo residents against the projection and vision of our amiable governor.

“The workers, who are supposed to make and formulate building regulations and bye-laws which should be subject to the approval of the Ministry, and also see to it that building plans are duly submitted to the Authority, have unfortunately now turned around to collect money from these road side vendors which automatically makes the OCDA to lose the audacity to apprehend defaulters or clear them off the road, while the ISWAMA on the other hand is not living up to expectation.”

Another resident, Mr. Emeka Uwaegbu, while charging the governor to rein in on the agencies to stop the criminal activities, said: “The governor, as a matter of urgency, must call on the leaders of ENTRACO, OCDA and ISWAMA, who may not be aware of these happenings, to summon and investigate activities of their workers on the field who by their conduct sabotage the efforts put in place to make these agencies function properly and carry out their operations smoothly.

“The governor must rapidly respond to ensure the restoration of peace and security, as well as the fast-fading glory of Imo State.”