ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY SUSPENDS WASTE COLLECTION CHARGES, SUMMONS MD

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution suspending the new levy introduced by the state Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) with immediate effect.

This followed a matter of urgent public importance moved by the Member representing Nnewi North constituency, Mr. Smart Okafor, on illegal Waste Management rates imposed on the people by the agency.

Mr. Okafor while presenting what he called arbitrary levy against the people of the state observed that the new Managing Director went contrary to the existing provisions of the law and introduced exorbitant rates which no law empowered him to do so.

According to the legislator, the new rate which is two times higher than what is obtained in the law, is an embarrassment to the Governor of the state, who may not have been aware of the move to impoverish the people despite the present economic hardship in the country.

Radio Nigeria observed that the law makers who took turn to support the motion, resolved that the managing Director of ASWAMA should appear before the House to explain why he went contrary to the existing law on refuse levies which was enacted in 2015.

Supporting the motion , the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Mr. Lawrence Ezeudu, who said the duty of the legislature is to protect the interest of the people through the laws they make, stated the new levy was totally against the provisions of the law establishing the agency and its Director.

For his part, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu of Anaocha Constituency Two, described the new rate as an embarrassment to the state.

He insisted that that the primary aim of government for appointing the managing Director was for progress and not to come up with levies that would mean more hard labour for the people

Contributing, the member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Doctor Pete Ibida, said it was very unfortunate that the ASWAMA boss decided to abandon the law that was made by the 6th Assembly members for the overall interest of the state,

Alsc speaking, Mr. Chidi Udemadu of Ihiala Constituency One, and Mr. Emeka Afoka, of Orumba North noted in strong terms that imposing the new levy on the people was a total insult and disobedience to the law and a violation of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended, which empowers the legislative arm to make laws that must be adhered to by all.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Uche Okafor, who presided over the plenary, said the Managing Director of ASWAMA, has to be invited to explain to the people why he decided to come up with a new rate outside what the law stipulated in the schedule that established the Agency.

The House therefore resolved that the new levy be immediately suspended while the ASWAMA boss is to appear before it on time for the October 27, 2022 which is the next adjourned date for plenary.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU