The Kwara State Government has warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians and other unauthorised locations across the state, saying the practice poses serious environmental and health risks.
The Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, gave the warning during a review of reports submitted by Environmental Health Officers and members of the ministry’s task force, according to a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Muritala Shakirat.
Buge said the renewed enforcement drive became 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.
The commissioner disclosed that enforcement teams sealed some facilities over excessive noise levels and arrested residents caught dumping refuse illegally.
She said: “Environmental Team sealed off no fewer than two facilities where excessive and unbearable noise level were reported within the metropolis and six offenders were arrested for dumping refuse on the road median.”
Buge described indiscriminate waste disposal as 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.
She said: “It is imperative that every member of the public is duly sensitized and get informed on the extant regulations and guidelines especially the permissible noise level in the night hours.”
The commissioner added that the warning became more important during the festive period when social gatherings and celebrations could increase noise pollution and environmental violations.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner and safer environment, Buge appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities.
She added: “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 Government to reap the benefits of a cleaner and safer city.”
