A bill seeking to establish a special waste management agency has gone through second reading on the floor of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Speaking on the executive bill which was presented by Majority Leader of the House, Monday Bubor-Edwin Obolo, other members described the legislation as long over-due, saying it would tackle issues of environmental pollution while creating an avenue to boost internally generated revenue in the state.
The need for proper handling, recycling or disposalbl of hazardous waste in any environment, is one which should not be downplayed.
It is for this and other reasons, a bill seeking to create a Special Waste Management Agency is receiving wide support amongst Members on the floor of the Bayelsa State Hallowed Chambers.
Opening deliberations on the debate, Majority Leader, Monday Bubo-Edwin emphasized there was a need to establish a specialist agency that would take care of hazardous waste generated by the growing number of industries and companies in the state.
Speaking in favour of the bill, other lawmakers said when enacted the legislation would go a long way to address health challenges resulting from improper disposal of harmful waste and also create economic opportunities for people in the State.
Speaker of the State Assembly, Abraham Ingobore, at the close of deliberations, referred the bIll to the House’s Joint Committee on Environment and Health, with a directive to report back in three weeks.