Rivers waste management agency begins compulsory profiling of scrap dealers, scavengers

The Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, has commenced compulsory profiling of scrap dealers, waste recyclers, refurbishers and PET bottle scavengers operating across the state as part of efforts to identify genuine operators and curb illegal activities in the sector.

The agency’s Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, said the exercise would enable RIWAMA to establish a comprehensive database of operators while addressing incidents of theft, vandalism, harassment and other activities linked to illegal scavenging.

Wokoma, who disclosed this in a statement after a meeting in Port Harcourt, also accused some scavengers of vandalising government facilities and tearing open properly bagged waste in search of recyclable materials, thereby leaving refuse scattered on the streets.

He described people who patronise such scavengers as accomplices and called for a concrete plan to end illegal scavenging and its associated activities.

Under the new directive, anyone involved in scrap dealing, recycling, refurbishing or PET bottle collection is required to obtain and complete a profiling form, attach the necessary documents and submit the form to RIWAMA within one month.

The agency said enforcement teams would commence operations after the expiration of the one-month period, with operators expected to comply with the profiling requirements.

RIWAMA has also developed a verification application to enable its field officers scan and confirm the identities of operators during enforcement operations.

The agency warned that failure to provide the required information would constitute a violation of the RIWAMA law and could attract enforcement action.

The profiling exercise comes amid growing concerns over the worsening waste situation across Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt, where several areas have been overtaken by refuse.

Parts of the state capital have been littered with waste, raising questions among residents about the effectiveness of waste management operations and the government’s ability to sustain Port Harcourt’s long-standing reputation as the Garden City.

The waste situation has persisted since the emergency rule, with RIWAMA facing challenges in effectively clearing refuse from designated collection points.

As a result, some residents have resorted to indiscriminate disposal of waste, including dumping refuse in the middle of roads and other unauthorised locations.