By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability and the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) have visited one of the government-approved dumpsites situated at Enogie Road, Ihinmwirin Quarter, St. Savior, Benin City, where a recycling company called WEMTAP Tech Ltd. is situated.
The inspection tour which was led by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, and the General Manager of EWMB, Mr. Osadebamen Charles Imariagbe, had other senior officers of the Board, the Head of the Compliance Department, Acting General Manager (AGM), Mrs. Imade A.B. and the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Osaigie Idiaghe, amongst others.
While addressing journalists during the inspection tour, the Commissioner said; “We are here to inspect the recycling facility put in place by one of the waste managers, who partnered with the State Government, through the Waste Management Board to establish a company that is into turning what we call waste into wealth”.
Lawani commended the initiative and linked its achievement to other laudable policies that have been initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration which have provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He therefore called on both local and foreign investors to leverage the business-friendly climate in the State, stressing that Edo has become a preferred destination for investment and a hub for industries.
In the same vein, he urged residents of the State to start making money from their waste, adding that the plastic cans, bottles, nylons, and other items often tagged as waste can be converted to monetary value.
Also Speaking, the EWMB Boss, Mr. Imariage, applauded the State Government for removing the bottlenecks for investors to set up businesses in the State, adding that it is a rare opportunity for investors.
“I am happy that WEMTAP Tech Ltd. has keyed into such an opportunity to establish this unprecedented recycling plant,” Imariagbe said, and added that the facility has undergone a series of environmental impact assessments and has been found safe for recycling activities.
The General Manager also assured residents of plans by the State Government to establish a recycling hub where they will be generating income from their waste, which will help create more job opportunities for the people.
Earlier, the Managing Director of WEMTAP Tech Ltd., Mr. Linus Emoedume, walked the Commissioner and his team around the facility and expressed appreciation to the State Government for the partnership through the Ministry of Environment and the Edo Waste Management Board.
He called on investors to partner with the company and invest in recycling ventures as this will fast-track the conversion of raw waste materials into finished products that will yield economic returns for investors and benefit the State.
