The Bayelsa State Government said it is poised to mitigate plastic hazards caused by environmental pollution and others so as to secure and protect the state’s environmental sustainability.

Governor of the State, Senator Douye Diri, made this commitment on Thursday, during the state’s edition of the 2023 World Environment Day celebration held in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Service of the state, Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, Mni, not only frowned at the state of environmental pollution plaguing the state but decried indiscriminate abuse of environmental laws by the citizenry.

Diri applauded the state Ministry of Environment on its various activities and policies in protecting the state’s environment, stressing that the ‘Prosperity Administration’, under his stewardship, would not leave any stone unturned in mitigating plastic-caused environmental pollution in the state.

Governor Diri also gave approval for the setting up of a ‘plastic bank’ towards ensuring that plastic waste is properly recycled and reused rather than being improperly discarded upon use, causing environmental pollution and health consequences.

The Bayelsa Governor directed the State Ministries of Environment, Trade and Industry, Lands and Survey, office of the Surveyor-General of the state, as well as the office of the Chief of Staff to collaborate on modalities for the proposed state plastic bank and report back to his office within the shortest possible time for quick implementation.

Governor Diri said: “It’s my joy to join the good people of Bayelsa State and the rest of the global community in the celebration of World Environment Day. The global theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’, speaks of the pre-eminence and urgent need to address the menace of pollution that afflicts our world.

“Let me take this moment to restate the commitment and support of the Government of Prosperity to every initiative that will contribute to the sustainability, ambience and prosperity of the Bayelsa environment.

“Transforming waste to wealth is a paradigm shift that I fully identify with. In furtherance of this policy direction, I here direct the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment to forward a clear document on plastic waste management.

“I hereby, additionally, direct the Ministries of Lands and Survey, Trade and Investment, and the office of the Surveyor-General of the state and the Acting Chief of Staff to support and collaborate with the Ministry of Environment to develop a proper framework to kickstart the plastic bank project without delay.”

The state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Iselema Gbaranbiri, stated that following Governor Diri’s commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of the state’s environment, the Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with sister agencies in the state, is set to forward two bills – the Bayelsa State Environmental Management and Protection Bill and Bayelsa State Forestry Bill – to the State House of Assembly for consideration.