Imo Assembly Passes Bill Establishing Eastern Waste Management Incorporated

——– AS IMO WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY LAW IS REPEALED

The Imo State House Of Assembly has passed a Bill for a Law to Repeal the Imo State Waste Management Agency Law No. 5 Of 2020.

At the Plenary Session of Wednesday 26/03/2025, the House also enacted a Law to Establish the Eastern Waste Management Incorporated, which will address the waste management challenges in the state, for the optimal benefit of the people of Imo State,, and for other related matters.

Coming as an Executive Bill, it was presented by the Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-west State Constituency, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, and Passed through First Reading, Second Reading and finally, Third Reading.

During the Second Reading of the all important Bill, the Majority Leader explained that the Bill when Passed would “address the waste management challenges in the state by instituting a reliable waste management system for the optimal benefit of the people of Imo State”.

Further explaining the importance of the Bill, Hon Onyemaechi noted that since “waste management has posed a problem in the state, with the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the streets, without any serious action from the Waste Management Agency. A reputable company that will partner with the State’s Management Agency, through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement would be brought in, to manage the situation”.

This arrangement, according to Hon Onyemaechi, would provide job opportunities for Imo citizens, as the partners will require handlers for their Equipment, and for waste recycling. This, he said would further ensure cleanliness in the state, as it used to be.

While clarifying that the Waste Management Agency would not be entirely disbanded, the Majority Leader stated it would work under strong concessionaires, and that Repealing the old Law, while Enacting a new one, is for the overall interest and benefit of Imo citizens, as revenue for the state would enhanced, as well as boosting job opportunities.

The Ranking lawmaker applauded the visionary leadership of the State Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for always showing capacity in moving the State forward.

The Bill was supported by the following Four Lawmakers with commendable inputs :

1. Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency.
2. Hon Okey Ernest Udeze, Member Representing Ideato-North State Constituency.
3. Hon Chief James Uba Esile, Member Representing Onuimo State Constituency.
4. Hon Dr Henry Agbasonu, Member Representing Ezinnihitte Mbaise State Constituency.

For Hon Ikpamezie, “The Governor is doing everything possible to bring back Imo as the cleanest State in the country. Therefore, repackaging the Bill will ensure the creation of a more environmentally friendly State, while at the same time creating more jobs for our people”.

For Hon Okey Udeze, “Private companies drive the economy of any nation and society. So the Governor means well. With what is going to happen in Imo State soon, a lot of jobs will be created, while recycling of waste materials will bring in foreign exchange to the State, and will even generate electricity for the State”.

For Hon James Esile, “This Bill is commendable. The Governor is creating wealth from waste. The implication is that there will be more jobs in the state. His Excellency is a critical thinker”.

For Hon Henry Agbasonu, “It is important to note that the word has gone digital, and as such, waste material has also gone digital. Domestic waste will be recycled to become wealth creation. I support the Bill”.

Following the Second Reading, the Bill was committed to the Committee of the Whole, which was chaired by the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, where it was further scrutinized. Thereafter, it was Passed into Law following a unanimous Vote in favour, by Honourable Members.

Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha writes from IMHA Owerri.