By- Jerry Edoho
A Bill for the amendment of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Law 2000, sponsored by Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh; Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency had today scaled through second reading.
Akpanusoh, who said his determination to legislate laws that will have direct bearings and to guarantee safety of lives and properties in tanderm with global standard and practices to both indegens and investors coming to invest in the State is targeted at helping the State Government to upgrade on its IGR status
Highlighting the benefits of the proposed bill, Dr. Akpanusoh said the bill is to function as advisory body as it pertains to State environmental, scientific, policies, technological and industrial activities affecting the environment and ecosystem in the State.
He pointed that the bill if passed into law will help laise with appropriate organs of government at the local and State levels to identify and specify waste disposal sites, guarantee the safety of surface and underground water systems as well as prescribing procedures for industrial and agricultural activities in order to minimize damage to the environment and natural resources.
He hinted that apart from monitoring and Controling of environmental pollutions caused by oil exploration, spillage, gas flaring, fumes/smoke emissions from Exxonmobil, Seven Energy and other oil services companies operating in the state. Akpanusoh noted that the bill is also targeted at creating more wealth to aide in upgrading the economy status of the State.
In a supporting motions, members representing Ini, Abak and Nsit Atai Constituencies Hon. Emmanuel Ekpeyong, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok and Hon. Mark Esset asserted that the bill will further help to profer solution to all environmental problems.
The lawmakers in their separate submissions noted that the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), of the State will be boosted should the bill becomes legalized.
The House after thorough debates referred the bill to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative procedures.
The House also announced adjournment to resume again on October 11, 2018.
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