The Ekiti State Government on Monday said it is making efforts to embark on a waste-to-wealth programme, aimed at recycling all household refuse collected in the state to manure.

This was disclosed by the House Committee Chairman on the Environment, Dele Fajemilehin, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti.

The lawmaker said the state will stop burning refuse by the State Waste Management Agency (EKSWMA).

“We have received several complaints from residents close to where wastes gathered across the state are burnt along the Ilokun and Odo-Ado.

“The people have complained of the hazards of odour and smoke, and my committee and the state Ministry of the Environment are fine-tuning plans to now apply chemicals to the garbage, rather than burning them.

“These chemicals will make the refuse to decompose and be used as organic manure,’’ Fajemilehin said.

He said the programme was delayed due to lack of funds.

“Gov. Ayo Fayose would have since commenced the waste-to-wealth programme, but there wasn’t enough funds for its commencement.

“Our governor has assured us that in less than two months, the programme would commence.

“When this project commences, it would also boost the Internally-generated-revenue of the state government,’’ he added.

Azeez