By Tina Chinyere– Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to relocate the popular Obiri-Ikwere dumpsite situated along the Airport Road, citing its negative impact on the environment and public health.
The governor made this known on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, during an inspection of an alternative site at Omueke-Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area, which is being developed as a permanent dumpsite for the state.
Governor Fubara explained that the relocation became necessary due to the offensive odour and unsightly nature of the current dumpsite, which also serves as a major entry point 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,” he said.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the governor disclosed that his administration inherited the new dumpsite project and is determined to complete it.
“We haven’t concluded discussions on the borrow pit, but work on the access road is ongoing. The government will ensure all necessary steps are taken for proper acquisition and development of the new site,” Fubara assured.
Governor Fubara also appealed to the leadership of the host community to cooperate with the state government for the smooth execution of the project. He further commended RIWAMA for its continuous efforts in promoting environmental sanitation across Rivers State.
In a related development, the governor inspected 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 level of work after touring the project site with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Austin Ezekiel Hart.
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