The Rivers State Waste Management Agency said it had arrested and arraigned 18 individuals for offences 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.
A statement by the Director of Legal Affairs, Helen Ohaka, emphasised that the arrests signalled a zero-tolerance approach towards indiscriminate waste disposal.
“This is no longer business as usual,” she stated.
This was contained in a statement issued by Obed Douglas, media aide to the Sole Administrator, RIWAMA, Prince Ohio, and sent to newsmen.
Ohaka disclosed that of the 18 individuals brought before the RIWAMA mobile court, 14 received fines corresponding to their offences, while two were remanded at 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 posed significant health and environmental risks.
Additionally, she commended the RIWAM’s Sole Administrator for his leadership in establishing the mobile court and ensuring that environmental offenders were held accountable.
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