By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended what it termed as the illegal waste management rates imposed on the people by Anambra State Waste Management Agency(ASWAMA).
The House also invited the Managing Director ASWAMA to appear before it to explain to Ndi Anambra why he decided to come up with a new rate outside what was stipulated.
The House made this statement following a motion moved under matter of urgent public importance by Mr. Nonso Smart Okafor representing Nnewi North which was seconded by Mr. Lawrence Ezeudu representing Dunkofia constituency during plenary on October 25.
The Speaker, Mr. Uchenna Okafor who presided over the plenary had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
Mr. Smart Okafor while explaining his motion said, “an existing law of Anambra State tagged, Anambra State Waste Management Law, 2015 stipulates various fees payable by various groups for waste management.
“There is a release signed by the ASWAMA Managing Director directing the public to pay various sum of money in total disregard to the existing law”.
“Regrettably the new levy which was duly signed by the MD triggered reactions and comments from the public which necessitated the matter of urgent public importance to salvage the ugly situation”.
“The new rates which is two times higher than what is contained in the law is an embrassment to the governor of the State who may not been aware of the move to task the people despite the present economic hardship in the country”.
Supporting the motion, Mr. Lawrence Ezeudu representing Dunkofia constituency said, “it is the duty of the legislature to protect the interest of the people through the laws they make.
“The new levy is totally against the provisions of the law and totally unacceptable at a time many governments are considering tax waiver for it’s citizens”.
The member representing Anaocha two constituency, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu described the new rates as an embrassment to the State.
He noted that the primary aim of government for appointing the MD was for the progress of the State, not coming up with levies that would mean more hard labour for the people.
Mr. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 2 constituency explained that it was not in the best interest of the government to increase levies that may not be realized instead there should be a downward review so that more people could pay.
The member representing Njikoka 2 constituency said it was very unfortunate that the Managing Director of ASWAMA decided to abandon the law that was made by the sixth Assembly in 2015.
Mr. Emeka Aforka representing Orumba North noted that imposing the new levy on the people was a total insult and disobedience to the law and a violation of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended which empowered the legislature to make laws that must be adhered to by all. (Ministry Of Information)
