The Ogun State Waste Management Authority has arrested 45 residents for indiscriminate waste disposal in parts of Abeokuta on Thursday.
The offenders were arrested in Panseke, Quarry road, and Onikolobo areas for allegedly dumping refuse on roadsides, highways, and other public places in contravention of the state’s environmental laws.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Mr Farook Akintunde, addressed the offenders before they commenced community service as part of their punishment.
Akintunde said indiscriminate waste disposal defaced the aesthetic beauty of the state capital and contributed to the spread of diseases, particularly airborne diseases.
He added that improper waste disposal also contaminates underground water sources and poses health risks to residents.
The special adviser expressed disappointment over the offenders’ actions despite sustained public enlightenment campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse across various media platforms.
He stressed the need for residents to patronise government-approved waste collectors assigned to their communities.
According to him, the offenders were allowed to undertake community service following their pleas, written undertakings not to repeat the offence and immediate enrolment with waste collectors operating in their areas.
Akintunde warned that anyone caught committing the same offence again would be prosecuted in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.
“I want to caution other residents across the state still engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal to desist or face immediate sanctions,” he said.
NAN
