The Edo State government is set to host a regional environmental laboratory through a partnership involving the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FME).
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Nosa Adams who disclosed this on Wednesday said that the proposed facility would be located in the State capital and serve Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and other neighbouring states by providing scientific analysis of environmental samples.
Adams explained that the state government had engaged the Federal Ministry of Environment, which, with the backing of the World Bank, had agreed to establish the laboratory in Benin City.
According to him, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, is expected in Edo State in August to perform the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Commissioner stated that the laboratory would analyse air, water, soil and biological waste samples to detect pollution, monitor chemical and biological contaminants, support environmental research and ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations.
Adams also announced the revival of the Benin City stormwater management project, which had stalled under the previous administration.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo had paid the state’s counterpart contribution required under the European Investment Bank-supported programme, paving the way for work to resume on the project aimed at addressing perennial flooding in parts of Benin City.
While expressing optimism that the drainage project would reduce flooding, the Commissioner urged residents to complement government’s efforts by complying with environmental sanitation laws, particularly proper waste disposal to prevent drains from being blocked.
He reiterated that the ministry remained focused on its mandate of coordinating the sustainable management of natural resources to promote a clean, safe and environmentally friendly state capable of supporting economic development and improved livelihoods.
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