Eastern Waste Management Admits Failure, Blames Government Poor Funding

The environmental waste managers in Imo State Nigeria re-baptised “Eastern Waste Management Corporation” EWAMAC has on Thursday rendered open apology to Imo residents over waste lapses, dirty environmental hazards caused by littering of refuse virtually across all parts of Imo, mostly in Owerri the state capital and pleaded for improved services, to return Imo clean.

EWAMAC assuring swift restoration of sanitation has adopted an all Day and Night Waste Evacuation in the state capital Owerri and in extension to suburb towns. This open promise was made by EWAMAC management team over the radio Thursday after several pressure was mounted on government to withdraw their services in the state because of laxity and ineffectiveness of mobilisation of manpower.

The heat further stormed on EWAMAC after a post was made on Facebook social media concerning the dirty nature Owerri capital city has remained after the administration of Fmr Governor ikedi Ohakim, who brought Imo to the upgraded status of “cleanest state in Nigeria” .

The call came to the notice of government who called the Eastern waste management cooperation to order. However, EWAMAC has accused government over poor funding, non- payment and non-availability of mobilisation of work equipments.

“On several cases, the causal workers are being taken for granted starving them of wages and care given because government are not paying EWAMAC”, some casual workers told newsmen in Owerri. Meanwhile, the outcome of this apology is the pressure mounted on EWAMAC to render deserving refuse evacuation management service including disilting of drainages in Imo.

To justify the means, about 10:40 hrs Thursday, the Imo State Government commenced an emergency waste evacuation exercise across key parts of the state following a buildup of refuse linked to operational lapses by the agency responsible for environmental sanitation.

The intervention, carried out through the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, is aimed at addressing the waste disposal deficit and restoring cleanliness in affected areas.

It is also designed to clear accumulated refuse across the state and create a fresh operational ground for the newly constituted management team of the waste management agency to begin work on a clean slate.

Leading the overnight operation is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, who is personally supervising the coordinated clearance of refuse heaps across strategic locations.

The exercise, which commenced in areas including World Bank, MCC Road, Onitsha road, Douglas road, is ongoing, with both day and night operations deployed to ensure swift results and improved environmental conditions.

Nze Nwaneri noted that the emergency response became necessary to avert health risks and reinforce the state’s commitment to environmental hygiene, while also repositioning the waste management system for better efficiency under the new leadership.

Residents have been strongly cautioned against indiscriminate waste disposal, with a clear warning that offenders will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The government reiterated its resolve to sustain strict monitoring and ensure that sanitation standards are maintained across the state.

On this therefore, Ndi Imo expect their lovely state to return to the cleanest in the Federation through gallant efforts and continuous clean up exercise in making sure that Imolites enjoy a habitable state. Imolites have called on government to prosecute offenders without compromise of sentiments any longer.

The EWAMAC apology reads :

By EWAMAC MEDIA | April 02, 2026

The Eastern Waste Management Corporation (EWAMAC) has formally apologized to residents of Imo State over recent operational lapses that resulted in refuse accumulation in parts of Owerri and its environs, assuring that urgent steps are being taken to restore normal sanitation conditions.

The apology was conveyed by the Board Member in charge of Operations, Nnamdi Gogo Okwuosa, during a live interactive radio programme on Hot 99.5FM, where he addressed public concerns and outlined the Corporation’s ongoing emergency response.

Speaking on behalf of the management and Board, Okwuosa expressed deep regret over the inconveniences experienced by residents, acknowledging that the situation fell short of the standards expected of the Corporation. He assured that the agency has taken full responsibility and is committed to resolving the challenges within the shortest possible time.

He explained that the disruption in service delivery was largely due to the transition from the previous management structure to the newly constituted Board, a process that temporarily affected operational coordination. He noted, however, that the transition phase has now been stabilized, with full-scale emergency evacuation efforts currently underway.

According to him, EWAMAC has activated round-the-clock operations across affected areas, with personnel and equipment deployed to clear accumulated waste and restore environmental order. He stated that visible improvements are already being recorded, with intensified efforts continuing across major roads and commercial hubs.

Okwuosa further disclosed that the intervention of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has strengthened the Corporation’s response, noting that the Governor has facilitated the engagement of both local and international experts to enhance operational efficiency and reposition waste management in line with best practices.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing emergency evacuation exercise will deliver substantial results within a short period, assuring that refuse accumulation across the state will be significantly reduced as the Corporation transitions into a more structured and sustainable operational phase.

The Board member also highlighted plans to introduce an automated waste management system to ensure seamless evacuation processes, alongside recycling initiatives aimed at converting waste into valuable resources.

While reaffirming EWAMAC’s commitment to improved service delivery, he called on residents to support the ongoing efforts by adhering to proper waste disposal practices and avoiding indiscriminate dumping, particularly in drainage channels.

He emphasized that environmental sanitation remains a collective responsibility and that sustained cooperation from the public is essential to achieving a cleaner and healthier Imo State.

EWAMAC reiterated its commitment to restoring full operational capacity and maintaining environmental standards across the state, assuring residents that all necessary measures are being implemented to address the situation with urgency and diligence”.