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By Dr. Chiedozie A. Nwafor
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council tasked with developing and promoting the use of raw materials for industrial applications, in a bid to advance sustainable industrial development paid a working visit to the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) at its headquarters on Ridgeway Road, GRA, Enugu.
The Director of Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Department, Mr. A. S. Kollere, speaking during the visit, emphasized that waste is a critical source of raw materials, which led to the establishment of the Council’s new initiative, the “Centre for Circularity and Repurposing” by the Director-General and CEO (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso.
“Waste is not just an environmental concern; it is a resource,” Mr. Kollere stated. “Our goal is to collaborate with stakeholders like ESWAMA to recover secondary raw materials and drive the circular economy.”
Mr. Amadi provided an overview of ESWAMA’s recent efforts to improve waste management across Enugu State. He noted that although Enugu is less industrialized than states like Ogun, the agency has made significant progress in the past two years. Initiatives include the establishment of dump stations in strategic locations, public education on waste disposal, and the deployment of over 100 Keke contractors for doorstep waste collection.
However, he highlighted challenges posed by scavengers who disrupt waste collection by tearing open bagged waste in search of valuables. This, he said, hampers the efficiency of waste transfer operations.
He further narrated that an analysis was conducted recently by an international consultancy revealed that approximately 60% of Enugu’s waste is organic. ESWAMA has since expanded its operations to Nsukka and Obollo-Afor, with plans to extend services to Awgu and Oji-River.
