The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a push to transform environmental governance.
Through that, the Agency unveiled major institutional reforms, tougher enforcement measures, and new investments to protect the natural resources, and combat climate change.
EPA Executive Director, Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo said, the Agency has strengthened operations, including acquiring the first permanent headquarters, established a modern environmental laboratory, improved regulatory enforcement, and expanding programs designed to address environmental challenges.
Yarkpawolo told reporters following a public engagement that the reforms are part of efforts to build a more effective, credible, and accountable environmental regulator capable of meeting the growing environmental needs.
He recalled how the current leadership assumed control of the EPA, when the Agency was operating from two deteriorating rented facilities on 4th Street in Sinkor.
Yarkpawolo underscored the importance for an institution responsible for enforcing environmental standards to operate from a facility that represents the level of accountability, and professionalism it demands from others.
The EPA, he said, successfully negotiated the purchase of its former rented building for US$800,000, after an independent assessment valued the property at approximately US$1.3 million.
He said, the transaction saved the government nearly US$500,000 while providing the Agency with a permanent home.
Dr. Yarkpawolo attributed the achievement to financial discipline within the institution, including sacrifices made by employees, who voluntarily accepted reductions in travel allowances to support the long-term development of the EPA.
Beyond securing a permanent headquarters, he highlighted the establishment of a modern environmental laboratory, which he said, has greatly improved the ability to conduct scientific testing, monitor environmental conditions, and make decisions based on reliable data.
Yarkpawolo also announced stronger enforcement actions against companies that violate environmental laws.
