We inherited blind blueprint – Prince Ikim opens up
By Imó Etim
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim has said that his agency inherited a ‘blind blueprint’ when he took over the affairs of the agency in 2018.
He said this in his speech during the 3rd year anniversary of the Agency in a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo on Monday.
“On our assumption of office, there was nothing on ground for the agency to hold on to. We Inherited a blind blueprint. AKSEPWMA had to bend backwards to get things working in the pace it is.
“One thing we Inherited is the temporary dumpsite at Uyo village road”, Ikim said.
The Waste Management helmsman and former Julius Berger Consultant in his response to questions from press men shed light on the proposed permanent dumbsite at Ikot Ebom Itam in Itu local government area, stating that there was no misunderstanding between the host community and the government.
He stated that, but not for COVID-19, efforts were already in place to turn waste to wealth in Akwa Ibom and that was only being hampered by the outbreak of the pandemic. He noted that he remains committed to the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ initiative.
“Citizens and residents would often dump their waste in open spaces and scavengers would gather whatever they could for resale, thereby smothering the revenue yielding potentials of over 15,000 tons of waste generated in the State on a daily basis.
“As the Chairman of the Agency, I am keen on recreating of
refuse-to-riches where waste generated in Akwa Ibom will be converted to aid power supply and boost our revenue base.”
The AKSEPWMA Chairman also unveiled the new Agency logo and took a tour to show the press men the Waste Trucks donated by the NDDC in appreciation of the Agency’s contribution to making Akwa Ibom the Cleanest State for 3 consecutive times.
It is worthy of note that the Board of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency(AKSEPWMA), was reconstituted by Governor Udom Emmanuel on 5th September, 2018 where Prince Akpan Ikim was appointment the Chairman.