The Kwara State Environmental Sanitation Task Force has recently taken action against multiple individuals who violated sanitation laws, leading to their conviction and fines.
This initiative is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to rigorously enforce environmental regulations.
According to The PUNCH, the State Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, provided updates on the situation during a media briefing held after the weekend’s statewide environmental sanitation exercise.
The briefing was accompanied by a statement from Kamaldeen Aliagan, Press Secretary for the State Ministry of Environment.
Leading the task force during the sanitation exercise, Buge expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, “The exercise was successful because there has been an improvement in the level of compliance.”
She emphasized the importance of residents adhering to environmental laws to maintain cleanliness across the state.
During the operation, offenders were apprehended and brought before 17 mobile courts strategically positioned throughout the metropolis.
The Commissioner highlighted the significance of the enforcement, stating, “The positive aspect is that none of the offenders can feign ignorance of today’s sanitation exercise, as sufficient sensitisation was carried out by the ministry through radio, newspapers, and online platforms. It is clear that they willfully flouted the laws and are thus made to face the full wrath of the law, serving as a deterrent to others.”
She also addressed the timing of the sanitation exercises, stressing that the extended hours align with the provisions of Section 29 (2) CAP E4 of 2006 under the state’s Environmental Sanitation Law, which mandates sanitation activities from 7 am to 10 am.
Buge pointed out that this enforcement is critical for the eradication of illegal refuse dumping and preventing disease outbreaks.
She reiterated the necessity of taking sanitation seriously, in accordance with the laws governing Kwara State.
In addition, Buge commended the Guild of Yoruba Media Practitioners for their commendable community service in the Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin, the state capital.
She praised their efforts and urged them to continue raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.
In her closing remarks, the Commissioner called on the public to cooperate fully with the state government and its agencies in their collective mission to ensure a cleaner, safer, and healthier Kwara State.
