Edo NEWMAP to leverage tech in waste management, tests new app

By Isaac Olamikan

Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project in Edo State (Edo NEWMAP) is test running a plastic redemption application to assist in dealing with the threat posed by plastic waste clogging stormwater drains and natural moats.

The State Coordinator of Edo NEWMAP, Dr. Tom Obaseki, who revealed this at a one-day workshop on ‘Advancing Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in our Cities,’ said that the greatest threat to the sustainability and integrity of the functionality of NEWMAP infrastructure in the state is waste, particularly, plastic clogging the newly constructed stormwater drains and underground conduits.

The workshop is organized by the Circular Economy Club (CEC) of Abuja and Benin City, in partnership with Edo NEWMAP.

Obaseki said some of the drains and moats were becoming non-functional because they are being clogged by plastic wastes, adding that the government is committed to exploring different options to find a lasting solution to the problem of flood and erosion.

Presenting the mobile application to key stakeholders, the Edo NEWMAP Coordinator explained that, when fully deployed, the plastic redemption scheme technology will help safeguard and make functional stormwater infrastructure provided by the government, while at the same time presenting opportunities for interested persons to make money from disposing of plastic waste.

Participants at the event include Chairman, Technical Steering Committee of Edo NEWMAP, Mr. Lucky Wasa, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability; Managing Director, Edo State Investment and Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe and the Chief Executive Officer, Natural Eco Capital, Dr. Eugene Itua, among others.