The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Due Process,Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, has
highlighted the rationale behind Abia State’s adoption of Private Sector Participation(PSP) in Waste Management.
Speaking during an interview in Umuahia, Dr Chukwu emphasized that the move was aimed at establishing a highly efficient waste management system for Abia.
The Governor’s aide explained that integrating the private sector into building a sustainable waste management system was driven by the vision of creating “a cleaner and healthier Abia”.
He outlined the phased approach to engage private sector participants, noting that the first phase had been successfully completed.
According to Dr Chukwu,the winning bidders for waste management contracts in the state had been categorized into three groups: preferred, reserved, and second reserved bidders.
Chukwu added that the preferred bidders, who emerged as the winners, were currently being notified and their engagement letters were undergoing review.
He said; “The preferred bidders, that is the winners, are currently receiving notifications to a meeting and their letters for engagement are under review, which will be served on each of the six preferred bidders.
“In this new week, they will be getting those invitation to a meeting; where the offer letter will be shared and the service benchmark will be discussed with them.
“At the meeting negotiations will be concluded so that they can commence work immediately.
The Governor’s aide underscored that the present administration had declared an environmental state of emergency upon assumption of office, with a strong focus on addressing waste management issues.
He commended the Governor Alex Otti for devising innovative strategies to tackle Abia’s waste management challenges, with the adoption of private sector participation as a pivotal strategy.
Dr Chukwu elaborated on the primary goals of PSP approach, which included improving public waste areas, creating job opportunities, boosting the state’s economy, and contributing to an overall cleaner and healthier Abia.
He also noted that the existing emergency taskforce responsible for waste management would be relieved of their duties to facilitate the transition to Private Sector Participants, who would further drive the state’s rebuilding agenda.
