The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) is to establish waste banks to encourage recycling of waste materials, deter scavenging activities and address associated risks in the state.
The director general, DSCTDA, Chief Patrick Ukah, disclosed this in Asaba, saying there would be collection centres across the capital territory where individuals could bring their recyclable wastes and get paid, while the organic matter would be taken to the waste dump.
He stated that the agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, the State Taskforce on Environment and the Waste Management Board, adding that such partnership has eased frictions in the realisation of the MORE Agenda for the capital territory.
The DG added that a pilot phase would be carried out in four areas before the initiative is extended to other areas, emphasising that it would also encourage the service providers to discharge their duties.
“We will have collection centres for the waste bank and there will be people to man those centres. So, you can bring your recyclable waste there while the organic matter will be taken to the waste dump.
“There, they will weigh whatever you are bringing and pay you accordingly. So, it will help us eliminate the activities of those scavengers. It is also like an empowerment initiative because people will be encouraged to dispose their wastes properly and receive a token for doing so,” Ukah said.
The DG added that the agency has held massive awareness campaigns and held strategic meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safer and greener capital territory.
