By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State House of Assembly has charged the State Ministry of environment to look inward and partner more with relevant organisations and agencies for a better environment.

The House Committee on Petroleum,Environment, Bitumen, energy and others led by its Chairman,Tope Akomolafe stated this during a visit to the State Ministry of environment in Akure.

According to the Lawmakers,the role of the Ministry is very important in the society hence for them to ensure effective supervision and enforcement to curb flooding and ensure clean environment.

While tasking the Ministry to be above board and take action on any consension agreement that is not very effective, Members said that they should not rely on money coming from the state alone but push further to access intervention and counterpart fund.

The Lawmakers who noted that it is immediately conspicuous when things are not working well in the sector, advised them to redoubtable their efforts and engage vibrant Private Sector Partnership (PSP’s) for waste management to ensure a healthy environment.

They however promised to support every move towards a better environment thereby bringing succour to the people of the State.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Commissioner for Environment, Sunday Akinwalere informed that the ministry was created in 2001, following the Federal Ministry of Environment policy, mandating every State to establish a Ministry that will be saddled with the responsibilities of coordinating, managing, regulating and monitoring all activities in relation to environment.

He added that the mission of the ministry is to facilitate good governance for the protection, restoration and conservation of the environment and sustainable development with the participation of the citizenry.

He appreciated the House of Assembly for their intervention which gave the Ministry a lead way during the incessant flooding in the State.

According to him, the ministry will not relent in supervising waste management , adding that the State government is spending a huge amount monthly in driving public waste.

He added that the ministry is engaging 250 sweepers in a bid to ensure cleanliness in the State.

He, however, pleaded with the House of Assembly to help the ministry in the area of funding and flooding and also profer a lasting solution that will assist the State.