KWSG laments dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse

Perturbed by the indiscriminate disposal of refuse within the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State Government has lamented the dangers inherent in the act, and the need for the people to adhere strictly to environmental laws of maintaining a clean and green environment to avoid epidemic.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, disclosed this today during an interface with the State Stakeholders Association on Environmental Issues, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Ilorin.

The Commissioner said the meeting became imperative to brainstorm on proffering solutions as government is disturbed by the unhygienic habits of some residents, who dump refuse indiscriminately without recourse to the health implications on the people.

She frowned at the prevailing bad practices being perpetrated by some of the residents of the State capital, which could cause outbreak of strange diseases.

The Commissioner also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his giant strides in the development of the State in all spheres especially on health issues.

She said the Governor has been passionate about the welfare and health of his people by taking proactive measures to curb the nuisance and built a sustainable environment for the people of the State.

“I want to use this medium to thank our amiable Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has not only taken environmental issues seriously but has also been passionate about the welfare of his people to ensure that Kwara is a reference State in Nigeria in terms of clean and green,” Buraimoh said.

The Commissioner appreciated the Stakeholders for their contributions towards the development of the State while imploring them to support government in instilling environmental discipline.

She charged them to intensify efforts on the need to sensitise their followers to live in a clean environment for health safety, pointing out that government has put in place stringent punitive measures against offenders.

The Commissioner also enjoined the Stakeholders to educate the people on the need to patronise commercial waste contractors, who will in turn help to evacuate their wastes with a meagre payment, warning that dumping of refuse at illegal dumpsites will no longer be tolerated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Abraham Kola Ojo, said the meeting with the Stakeholders is to rub minds as the general sanitary situation of the metropolis is not pleasing, despite efforts by the State Government to make the city clean and conducive. He pointed out that the non-compliance of the residents on monthly sanitation exercise is displeasing and worrisome.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Taskforce on Environmental Issues, Alhaji Jiddah AbdulRazaq, appealed to the Stakeholders to advise their followers to maintain a clean environment to avoid being punished by the Enforcement Committee. 

Responding on behalf of the Stakeholders, the State Vice Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Baba Tunde Hammed promised to comply with government directives on environmental laws.

He suggested the need for adequate enforcement and public awareness to awaken the public on health issues, while also appealing for more placement of the bigger rorobins in strategic locations and prompt evacuation when filled up.

Okanlawon Taiwo,

Press Secretary,

Kwara State Ministry of Environment.