Worried by the inherent health and environmental hazards associated with Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene, the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) has called for its ban in the state.
The House, in a resolution adopted at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, called on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ban the use of the product in Delta State, which they noted is hazardous to human life as well as poses great danger to the environment.
The resolution was sequel to a motion to that effect sponsored on the floor of the House by the Minority Leader and Member Representing Uvwie Constituency, Hon. Edafe Emakpor.
In the motion, Hon. Emakpor urged the House to call on the State Governor 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 in the state.
The lawmaker explained that the prohibition of Styrofoam, which is a petroleum-based plastic made from styrene monomer, and used as cups, plates and other form of packaging for food and beverages in homes, hotels, restaurants, fast foods outlets and social gatherings, will prevent an impending health and environmental disaster.
Emakpor further called for an engagement of manufacturers and distributors of Styrofoam in the state to produce an alternative disposable paper cups and plates, even as he called for the constitution of a taskforce to monitor and enforce compliance.
He also stressed the need for the Ministry of Information and the Delta State Bureau for Orientation to sensitize and educate Deltans on the dangers associated with the use of Styrofoam.
The lawmaker said 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 altered, emphasizing that the Delta State House of Assembly must live up to expectations.
“The issue of public health must be given the attention it deserves. Styrofoam also known as polystyrene has scientifically proven to be hazardous in all manifestations. There is an urgent need for the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to direct a ban of its use in Delta State.
“I therefore urge you my dear colleagues to support this motion, for this House to call on the Governor to prohibit the use of Styrofoam in the state to save lives as well as prevent impending environmental disaster,” Emakpor emphasized.
The Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowowo, Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, Deputy Majority Leader, Festus Okoh, Chief Whip, Perkins Umukoro as well as members representing Okpe and Ndokwa West, James Augoye and Charles Emetulu, stressed on the negative implication of Styrofoam on the overall well-being of humans and environment.
Other lawmakers who spoke, including the members representing Isoko South 2, Ferguson Onwo; Oshimili North, Frank Ensenwa; Warri South 1, Austin Uroye; Warri South 2, Benson Obire and Ughelli North 2, Spencer Ohwofa, said the chemical contained in it possesses cancerous properties, hence the need for its immediate ban to save lives.
Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, directed the Clerk of the House, Otto Aghoghophia as well as the Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance on the resolution.
