The Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Kate Ocheze Ogbonna, has charged waste and cleaning contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory to improve their performance and ensure prompt and proper evacuation of waste across the city.
Ogbonna gave the directive during an interactive session with contractors at the AEPB headquarters in the Central Business District, Abuja, following reports of lapses in waste collection and environmental sanitation in parts of the capital.
She disclosed that routine monitoring by the Board’s supervisors revealed that several contractors were falling short of expected standards in carrying out their duties.
“The reports at my disposal from our supervisors who monitor the performances of the contractors are not encouraging. This meeting was therefore organised to properly educate and guide them on the full weight of their responsibilities as waste managers and evacuators,” Ogbonna said.
She emphasised that the contractors operate under clearly defined rules and schedules, stressing that the Board expects strict compliance to ensure the Federal Capital City remains clean and environmentally safe.
The AEPB Director also reminded the contractors that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the Minister, has been prompt in settling their payments, leaving them with no justification for poor service delivery.
“I am aware that there are challenges in every job, but contractors must rise to the occasion. They should procure the needed equipment and engage more hands to make their operations seamless. They signed agreements affirming they are capable, and we expect them to live up to that responsibility,” she stated.
On the persistent challenge of indiscriminate dumping of construction waste, Ogbonna said the Board is collaborating with the FCT Development Control Department to ensure proper disposal of such waste across the territory.
She also urged residents and business owners in the capital city to play their part by paying their waste management bills promptly and providing appropriate waste bins that match the volume of waste generated in their homes and offices.
“Waste management is capital intensive. Residents must do their part by paying their waste bills and using appropriate waste bins. You cannot use a bin meant for one household for a block of ten flats and expect it not to overflow before the contractor arrives,” she said.
Similarly, the Director of Solid Waste Management (North) at AEPB, Benjamin Enwerem, identified illegal night-time commercial activities and roadside parties as a major contributor to indiscriminate waste dumping in residential and commercial areas.
According to him, these operators generate large volumes of waste during night events and abandon them in public spaces, creating illegal dump sites.
“We have taken notice of this complaint and our task force will begin enforcement operations to address the activities of these illegal operators,” Enwerem said.
Despite acknowledging some shortcomings in the contractors’ performance, Enwerem noted that there had been noticeable improvement compared to the previous year, largely due to the engagement of more capable personnel in the sanitation workforce.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Solid Waste Contractors, Ibrahim Babayo, welcomed the outcome of the meeting, assuring the Board that contractors would improve their operations by procuring modern equipment, employing additional personnel, and increasing the frequency of waste evacuation.
