Lawmakers Frown against Illegal ASWAMA Levies, Summon MD

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Anambra State House of Assembly has declared the published ANSWAMA levies as illegal, saying that the tax rates contravene the existent law that established the authority.

The state legislature had during the plenary, heard a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor, and others.

Reading out the motion, Hon. Smart Okafor brought the House to the notice of a press release signed by the managing director of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority, Mr Mike Ozoemena, where it was reeled out, tax rates payable to the state by ventures and bodies operating in the state.

Referencing the existing law passed by the state legislature, tagged, ”The Anambra State Waste Management Law, 2015”, which stipulates in clear figures various fees payable by various enterprises for waste management, Hon. Okafor faulted the MD of the ASWAMA for going against the provisions of the law, lamenting total disregard for the existent law.

Speaking further, Hon. Okafor expressed worry over what he termed the unending complaints emanating from constituents and the general public regarding the rates signed by the MD of ASWAMA in the said press release.

The member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu; Hon. Ejike Okechukwu of Anaocha II Constituency; Hon. Pete Ibida of Njikoka Constituency; Hon. Emeka Aforka of Orumba North Constituency, amongst other members, spoke in support of the motion.

Consequently, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor, read out the resolution of the House thus: ”The illegal waste management fees imposed on Ndị Anambra by the Managing Director of the ASWAMA are hereby suspended with immediate effect.”

Fides reports that the lawmakers, during the deliberation, invited the Managing Director of ASWAMA to appear before the plenary of the state legislature in their next adjourned date by 10 am to explain to Ndị Anambra the reasons for such action.

The resolution was supported by members of the House through a voice vote.