The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) says the state government has introduced a new strategy aimed at improving waste collection and evacuation across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
Speaking on to journalists Monday, July 27, 2026, RIWAMA’s Head of Media, Harry Henry, disclosed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has secured two new dumpsites located at the Igwuruta axis and the Elelenwo/Iriebe axis to tackle the long-standing challenge of waste disposal in the state.
According to him, the Igwuruta dumpsite has already commenced operations and is supported by a two-kilometre concrete access road, a development expected to enhance waste evacuation.
Harry explained that while RIWAMA directly manages waste collection in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, the agency also provides supervisory support for waste management activities in other local government areas.
“The executive governor has acquired two new dumpsites for the agency, one at the Igwuruta axis and the other one is at the Elelenwo/Iriebe axis. As we speak, the Igwuruta axis is currently in use with about 2 kilometre concrete pavement access road.
You know access road has been a problem to dumpsites, the initial dumpsite the agency had was the one at Obiri-Ikwerre axis leading to the airport but there is a common saying in waste management ‘if you don’t have where dump your waste, don’t collect it’. So that is why the governor has deemed it fit to ensure that the agency has a well organised dumpsite.”
The RIWAMA spokesman further revealed that the agency will intensify the clearing of refuse along major roads, particularly entry routes into Rivers State, including the Oyigbo, Eleme, Ahoada and Mbiama corridors.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment through improved infrastructure and more efficient waste management operations.
Harry also urged residents and roadside traders to adopt proper waste disposal practices, especially during periods when seasonal agricultural produce generates additional refuse.
“We also have seasons where new fruits, for example, things like corn, when it is the corn period, you find the husk littering every part of the city. Although recently, our enforcement team are now on the streets Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor and we are advising all those doing business along the road within any of the major roads to bag their wastes.
Everybody who sells corn, every person who does businesses that require generation of one refuse or the other, bag your wastes, and when you bag your waste, you should drop it at the approved receptacles.” He added.