By Toheeb Omotayo
The Kwara State Government has warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians and other unauthorized locations across the state, saying the practice poses serious environmental and health risks capable of triggering disease outbreaks.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry, Muritala Shakirat, the warning was given by the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, during a review of reports submitted by Environmental Health Officers and members of the ministry’s task force.
The commissioner said the renewed enforcement drive was necessary to improve public health, prevent flooding caused by blocked drainage systems, and ensure a cleaner environment across the state.
She said environmental officials had intensified monitoring activities within Ilorin metropolis, particularly against indiscriminate waste disposal and noise pollution.
Hajia Buge said the enforcement team sealed some facilities over noise pollution and arrested offenders caught dumping refuse on road medians.
“Environmental Team sealed off no fewer than two facilities where excessive and unbearable noise levels were reported within the metropolis, and six offenders were arrested for dumping refuse on the road median,” she said.
The commissioner said indiscriminate waste disposal remained a major environmental challenge capable of contaminating the environment and exposing residents to health hazards.
She warned that violators of environmental regulations would face the full weight of the law, adding that the government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public safety and environmental sustainability.
“It is imperative that every member of the public is duly sensitized and informed on the extant regulations and guidelines, especially the permissible noise level in the night hours,” Hajia Buge stated.
She added that the warning was particularly important during the festive period, when social gatherings and celebrations could increase noise pollution and environmental violations.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner, safer, and healthier Kwara State.
“We appreciate all those who have complied positively with the rules towards ensuring that we have a cleaner Kwara while we passionately appeal to everyone to ‘please’ cooperate with the government to reap the benefits of a cleaner and safer city,” she added.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: health_wise@punchng.
