The Oyo State Government has stated that it would from Monday, January 15 2018 commence house to house enforcement of the state’s environmental laws, vowing to seal houses without waste bins.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola made the disclosure on Wednesday during a ministerial briefing in Ibadan.
The state government under Senator Abiola Ajimobi had since inception in 2011 embarked on massive environmental programmes.
The Governor has stated that the beautification and urban renewal programme was to give the state a facelift as well as creating business-friendly environment for investors.
Chief Ishola said that officials of the state government would from Monday be inspecting houses for their waste bins, adding that any house without it would be sanctioned.
According to him, “the law stipulates that every house must have a waste bin. Every person that generates waste must dispose it in a sustainable manner and through government accredited waste collectors.”
“We will be inspecting the houses and anyone without waste bin would be sealed after a three day grace period. Violators are liable to six months jail term or option of N50, 000 fines.
“Whoever disregards the seal order on any house would pay N200,000,’’ he said.
Chief Issac Ishola stated that the state government has observed abysmal level of compliance with the state environmental laws, saying that people now dump refuse indiscriminately across the state.
The Commissioner said that the people should confirm the list of accredited waste collectors from the ministry, adding that 1,342 offenders were arrested and prosecuted in 2017, while 124 street traders were arrested with their wares confiscated but later released to them having paid fines to the government.
He, however, added that all wares seized from street trading would henceforth be confiscated as directed by the state Governor.
Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), West Africa Energy Limited, Mrs Lolade Oresanwo said that the people needed to understand the enabling environmental laws in the state.
Oresanwo, who is representing the consultant agency on waste management, said that they were collecting only 50 percent of waste generated in the state, adding that other wastes were lying in drainages etc.
She hinted that the agency and ministry would collaborate with landlords associations to extend coverage to uncovered areas.
The Ministry of Environment released some numbers for complaints and emergencies, among which are 08035509999, 08052337552, 09069047999, 08034408224, 08159197600(Text).
Packaged by Oyedapo Oyewole
