Delta State House of Assembly has called for the prohibition on the use of Styrofoam also known as polystyrene in the state.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, who presided over of the passage of the resolution during Wednesday’s plenary of the House, called on the State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ban the use of the product which is considered hazardous to human existence as well as poses great danger to the environment.
In a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Hon Edafe Emakpor, the lawmaker urged the House to call on the Governor of Delta State to direct the ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as other relevant government agencies to immediately prohibit the usage of Styrofoam.
Emakpor who represents Uvwie Constituency argued that the prohibition of styrofoam which is a petroleum based plastic made from styrene monomer, used as cups, plates or any form of packaging for food or beverages in homes, hotels, restaurants, fast foods outlets as well as social gatherings, would prevent an impending health and environmental disaster.
The lawmaker who further called for an engagement of manufacturers and distributors of styrofoam in the state to produce an alternative disposable paper cups and plates, also called for the constitution of a task force to monitor and enforce compliance.
While calling on the Ministry of Information and the state Bureau for Orientation to sensitize and educate Deltans on the dangers associated with the use of Styrofoam, the lawmaker added that it was the primary duty of government to ensure welfare and safety of the people as enshrined in Section 14 (2B) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as amended.
Other lawmakers who argued in favour of the motion, stressed on the negative implication of Styrofoam on the overall well-being of Deltans, adding that the chemical contained in it also possesses cancerous substance and therefore called for its immediate ban.
The House in unanimous voice vote passed the resolution and the Speaker directed the acting Clerk to communicate the resolution to the governor.
The plenary was thereafter adjourned to Thursday, March 21, 2024, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi and seconded by the member representing Burutu Two, Hon Oloye Pereotu.
