The Kwara State Government has threatened to deal with residents dumping refuse on medians and roadsides.
The government warned that anyone caught in the act would henceforth be fined the sum of N50,000 to N200,000 or risk imprisonment.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman stated this while answering questions from journalists in his office in Ilorin.
The Commissioner disclosed that Environmental officers from the Ministry have started sensitization for marketers in some major markets in the state on the need to adhere strictly to the policy of the present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on road encroachment, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and open defecation or face the full wrath of the law.
Mallam Ndanusa further said, that starting from the first week of February, any marketer caught displaying goods on the pedestrian paths, medians and any other area that will inhibit the free movement of vehicles or people plying the road will have his/her goods confiscated.
The Commissioner also stated that indiscriminate dumping of refuse on pedestrian paths, medians and any other unapproved dump site will attract a fine of N50,000 for individuals and N200,000 naira for corporate organisations or imprisonment.
He therefore charged the marketers to join hands with the present administration in its bid to eradicate road encroachment, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and open defecation to promote healthy living in the state.
In a related development, the Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to regulating the operation of scavengers in the State, to ensure the security of lives and properties of the people and also increase the revenue drive of the state.
The commissioner said, “After approving the registration of the scavengers last month, the governor also directed the Ministry to produce and distribute uniform jackets to all the scavengers in the state for security control and peaceful living of all residents.”
In addition, the Commissioner said, the uniform jackets will have an identity code for identification.
He however warned scavengers in the state to stay away from criminal activities and operate by all relevant environmental laws, otherwise, they will face the full wrath of the law.
