The Kwara State Government has cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians and other unauthorised locations, warning that the practice poses serious environmental and public health dangers capable of causing disease outbreaks.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Muritala Shakirat.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, gave the warning while reviewing reports submitted by Environmental Health Officers and members of the ministry’s enforcement task force.
Buge said the state government had intensified enforcement activities to promote public health, prevent flooding caused by blocked drainage channels, and maintain a cleaner environment across the state.
She explained that environmental monitoring operations had been stepped up within the Ilorin metropolis, particularly against indiscriminate waste disposal and noise pollution.
The commissioner disclosed that some facilities had been sealed for violating noise pollution regulations, while several individuals were arrested for dumping refuse on road medians.
“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,” she said.
Buge described indiscriminate refuse disposal as a major environmental concern capable of contaminating the environment and exposing residents to various health hazards.
She warned that violators of environmental laws and regulations would face strict sanctions, stressing that the government would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public safety and environmental sustainability.
“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 stated.
She noted that the warning became even more important during the festive season, when celebrations and social gatherings often lead to increased cases of noise pollution and environmental violations.
Buge reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Government to ensuring a cleaner, healthier and safer environment for residents.
“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,” she added.
