By Tina Chinyere – Portharcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to relocate the popular Obiri-Ikwere dumpsite located along the Airport Road due to its adverse environmental impact.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after inspecting a new area being prepared at Omueke-Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area as an alternative and permanent dumpsite for the state.
He explained that the decision was prompted by the environmental and health hazards posed by the current site, which is also situated at the major gateway into Port Harcourt.
“We are already phasing out the Airport Obiri-Ikwere Road dumpsite because of the environmental hazards it poses. The odour and its location at the state’s entrance are major concerns. That’s why we’re developing an alternative site for proper waste management,” Fubara said.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, noted that his administration inherited the alternative dumpsite project and was committed to completing it.
“We haven’t concluded on the issue of the borrow pit, but the access road is already being addressed. Government will do everything necessary to ensure proper acquisition and development of the site,” he assured.
Governor Fubara also called for the support of the host community’s leadership to ensure the success of the project and commended RIWAMA for its sustained efforts in maintaining environmental cleanliness across the state.
Meanwhile, the governor also stopped over at the ongoing construction of 29 units of four-bedroom duplexes for Permanent Secretaries at Elimgbu in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work after inspecting the site alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Austin Ezekiel Hart.
