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A legal practitioner, Peter-Obiora Aja, has commended the administration of Peter Mbah for introducing a renewed and strategic approach to waste evacuation and management in Enugu State.
Aja who spoke with the newsmen in an interview on Tuesday, described the reforms as forward-looking and sustainability-driven.
Speaking on the evolution of waste management in the state, Aja traced the trajectory from the administration of former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to the present government.
He recalled that at the early stage of Ugwuanyi’s tenure, waste management faced significant setbacks, with non-functional equipment, overflowing dumpsters, and poor access to the central dumpsite at Ugwuaji.
He added that, that contributed to deteriorating environmental conditions.
According to him, the situation prompted Ugwuanyi to declare a state of emergency on waste evacuation, leading to major reforms such as the unbundling of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA).
“It also led to the creation of a waste evacuation task force, and the engagement of private contractors,” Ajah recalled.
These interventions, he noted, quickly restored cleanliness across the state, earning Enugu recognition as one of Nigeria’s cleanest.
However, he pointed out that sustaining those gains became difficult over time due to rising operational costs and logistical challenges faced by contractors.
The legal practitioner said the current administration had built on those earlier efforts with a more strategic and technology-driven model.
He highlighted the deployment of modern compactor trucks, improved monitoring systems, and the repositioning of ESWAMA as key innovations under Mbah’s leadership.
“What clearly distinguishes this administration is its deliberate focus on building a system that prevents waste problems rather than merely reacting to them,” he said.
The lawyer noted that residents were already experiencing improvements in environmental cleanliness and safety.
He cited the introduction of smaller waste collection vehicles, including tricycles, which now reach inner streets and previously underserved areas, making waste disposal more convenient and efficient.
He added that better drainage maintenance and the relocation of obstructive dumpsters had contributed to reduced flooding, smoother traffic flow, and healthier surroundings.
In spite of the progress, Aja acknowledged that challenges remained, including occasional delays in waste collection, increasing waste generation due to population growth, and poor disposal habits among some residents.
He urged citizens to take greater responsibility by using approved waste disposal channels, keeping their environments clean, and paying waste management bills promptly.
“Government cannot do it alone. Public cooperation is essential for any waste management system to succeed,” he emphasised.
On policy concerns, he cautioned against the restriction of movement during monthly environmental sanitation exercises, arguing that such measures may conflict with constitutional provisions.
He referenced Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement, noting that any limitation must be lawful, reasonable, and proportionate.
While acknowledging the importance of sanitation initiatives, he called for a more balanced approach that prioritises public sensitisation and compliance without infringing on fundamental rights.
He concluded that sustaining a clean and healthy Enugu required not only effective government policies but also adherence to constitutional principles and active citizen participation.
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