Waste managers seek special fund for effective waste management
The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has appealed to the State and Federal Governments to create special fund for effective waste management.
The President of AWAMN, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, made the appeal on Tuesday in Ikeja, during the Inauguration of the executive committee of the association.
Adebola described waste management as an essential sector of the economy which needed special funds within a single digit interest loan facility, to ensure environmental sustainability.
He said that the waste managers were going to collaborate with government at all levels to transform waste management in the country.
According to him, low interest rate loans will enable waste managers to invest more for sustainable environment.
”We are going with our demands to create a special fund for the environment family, especially for waste management.
”We shall work with the State and the Federal Government of Nigeria to explore access to single-digit loan facilities to our members.
”Our members are essential service providers, supporting environmental sustainability, health and well-being and nationwide aesthetics of the people and country.
“Low-interest-rate will enable our members to enjoy dedicated funding plans like the farmers, aviation industry, healthcare industry, among others.
”It will help our people to invest more, because waste management is highly capital intensive, and you also need to have access to single-digit credit facility like Anchor Borrowers’ Programme for farmers.
”The Federal Government is doing it for health sector, aviation industry and for all critical industries. We are also a critical industry, operating within the space of environmental sustainability,” he said.
The president described effective waste management as pre-health services, that would reduce Lassa fever, mosquitoes, and ensure better environment.
He appealed to the government to sponsor its members to local and international conferences, trainings and study tours, as these would expand their capabilities for better performance.
According to him, it will equally help waste managers to take advantage of newer technological advancements and innovations, which will enhance operational efficiency, reduce leakages and improve their income.
He said it would also help them to remain connected to the global trends within the industry.
”We need to work with researchers and develop even our members, that is why my administration is going to emphasise more on capacity development of our members.
”If you don’t train them, you don’t blame them, and one of our cardinal objectives is to train our members for effective and efficient service delivery,” he said.
By Florence Onuegbu
