Kwara: 15 buildings sealed off for violating environmental laws
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a hygienic and safe environment to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other diseases detrimental to the health of Kwara residents. This follows the sealing off of 15 buildings for violating environmental laws, including eight buildings in Sabo-Oke, Ilorin South Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge, made the announcement in Ilorin today while speaking with journalists at her office.
Hajia Nafisat Buge affirmed the commitment of “the current administration, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to ensuring a clean, hygienic, and safe environment that all Kwarans and potential investors can be proud of.”
She noted that Environmental Health Officers across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State have begun enforcing environmental laws, particularly through house-to-house inspections of toilet facilities to promote healthy living.
“This initiative is already showing positive results. Our environmental task force recently sealed off six buildings on Onikun-Kewu Street, Adabata. Today, another eight buildings in Iponrin, Sabo-Oke area, within Ilorin metropolis, have been sealed for violating environmental laws despite ongoing advocacy from the ministry regarding the need to stop open defecation and build standard toilets. Some of these properties had defective soakaways, exposing human waste to the environment, which is hazardous to public health,” she added.
The Commissioner assured the public that the government will continue house-to-house inspections across the state to ensure compliance with environmental laws and maintain a healthy living environment.
She urged Kwara residents to support the administration’s efforts to promote a clean and safe environment.
Buge also warned landlords to ensure their properties are equipped with standard toilet facilities, stating that those failing to comply will be prosecuted under Section 5, Subsection 2 of Kwara State environmental laws.
