Nasarawa Moves to Revive Two Waste Recycling Plant

By David Odama

The Nasarawa State Government says it has concluded plans to revitalise two waste recycling plants located in Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas.

Secretary of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Christopher Abari, made this known while briefing journalists after this month’s sanitation exercise in Lafia.

Abari explained that the facilities situated in Angwan Rere in Lafia and Auta Balefi in Karu have been underutilised, but noted that the State Government has now completed arrangements to restore the waste sites to full operation.

He stated that although activities at the recycling plants had been low, efforts were ongoing to revive them and commence proper waste recycling.

According to him, the plan to revitalise the plants aligns with the state’s commitment to enhancing waste management, reducing pollution, and promoting a healthier environment.

The Secretary further noted that the plants would be upgraded with modern equipment and machinery to enable efficient waste processing.

He added that the agency has also distributed various sizes of waste bins at strategic points across the 13 Local Government Areas to support proper refuse disposal.

“Our staff have continued regular evacuation of waste at the dumping sites, and we urge the public to always bring out their waste to designated refuse points for evacuation to prevent the spread of diseases,” he said.

Abari also advised residents to maintain clean surroundings to prevent outbreaks of diseases.

“If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against a possible outbreak of any disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people,” he added.

The Secretary expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance observed during the November sanitation exercise and commended the support received from security agencies, traditional leaders, and the media.

Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor Officer of the ministry, Abubakar Mohammed, announced that 96 persons were apprehended for violating environmental sanitation laws across the 13 LGAs.

He noted that the offenders were arrested for conducting private business activities while the sanitation exercise was ongoing.

According to him, their actions breached section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.

He added that the defaulters were prosecuted by various mobile courts in their respective areas to serve as a deterrent to others.