The Managing Director of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Ibimina Wokoma has asserted that education and sensitization are essential components in achieving proper waste management in the state.

Speaking during a follow up visit to Rumuosi Dump Site and other dump sites within Port Harcourt metropolis, he reiterated his administration's resolve to tackle headlong, challenges encountered during waste disposal.

He called for proper bagging of waste before disposal.

"Education and sensitization are key aspects of refuse management especially in our clime where a lot of people are not used to managing their wastes properly. Waste management starts from home by bagging it properly and dumping it at only government approved receptacles. We are trying to see that people demonstrate the right attitude as it is unbelievable that they dispose wastes they generate on the median . It is clearly forbidden, unacceptable and highly prohibited " he said.

Wokoma also intimated that part of the reasons for the visit was to ensure unfettered access to the dump site which poses a problem because of the untarred road leading to it.

The RIWAMA Boss declared an emergency on waste management in the s:tate, hinting that measures were underway by his administration to improve methods of refuse collection that will eradicate sharp practices  and stated that stiff penalties await defaulters in accordance with the Agency's laws.

He lauded service providers, for their over 80% success rate of refuse clearance while charging those whose sites are yet to be cleared to expedite action to do so.