In order to arrest the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the state, the Oyo State government has pencilled down Friday, 5th November, 2021, for the commencement of the enforcement of the law on indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road sides, water ways, drainages and other open spaces.
The state government also added that going forward, perpetrators would be sanctioned and dealt with according to the state environmental laws.
A statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni, noted that the recalcitrant attitude of residents of the state towards waste disposal necessitated the action, stressing that the era of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and open defecation has come to an end.
He said, “In as much as there was no corresponding adherence to the guidelines of proper waste disposal in the state, the government has no other option than to embark on enforcement on waste control and other environmental regulations, adding that the government’s action was not aimed at witch-hunting anyone, but to secure the safety of lives and properties of the citizens.”
The commissioner further emphasized that the Ministry of the Environment would be working in tandem with the Environmental Task Force to sanction all offenders, while also admonishing residents, particularly traders and road side users to make use of waste bins and make prompt payment for the disposal of their wastes through the designated government’s account
The statement further admonished residents to key into the vision of ensuring zero tolerance to filthy and unhealthy environment, which it said would go a long way in eliminating environmental nuisance, spread of communicable diseases that may cut short individuals’ lives, epidemic and havoc in the state
Tre statement added, “It is part of residents civic responsibility to ensure clean and safe environment; not only will it attract investors that will boost the economy in the state, but also prevents avoidable man made destruction.”
Consequently, considering the pacesetting status of Oyo State, Mr. Oni further urged residents to constantly strive to be pacesetting in safe environmental practices and to always ensure that they support the efforts of the government in ensuring a clean and safe environment for all inhabitants of Oyo State.
