Kwara: Sanitation task force apprehends, fines over 400 violators
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
In a continued effort to enforce sanitation laws in Kwara State, the State Environmental Sanitation Task Force has convicted and fined over 400 individuals for violating sanitation regulations.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge, disclosed this while speaking to journalists after the environmental sanitation exercise conducted across the state over the weekend.
The Commissioner, who led the task force, stated that “the exercise was successful because there is an improvement in the level of compliance.” She called for greater adherence to environmental laws, emphasizing that this is in the best interest of the public.
Buge further disclosed that the offenders were apprehended and charged in 17 mobile courts strategically positioned across the metropolis.
She added, “The good aspect is that none of the offenders can feign ignorance of today’s sanitation exercise, as there was ample sensitization by the ministry on radio, newspapers, and online platforms. It is clear they willfully flouted the laws and were thus made to face the full consequences to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the sanctions imposed on offenders during this exercise would deter future violations.
Regarding the sanitation hours, the Commissioner reiterated that they are “in line with Section 29 (2) CAP E4 of the 2006 state Environmental Sanitation Law, which stipulates that sanitation hours are from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.”
She further stated that this measure is necessary to eliminate indiscriminate dumping of refuse and prevent the outbreak of diseases. “The sanitation exercise must be taken seriously and conducted in accordance with the laws governing our state,” she added.
Commending members of the Guild of Yoruba Media Practitioners for their community service in the Gaa Akanbi area, the Commissioner encouraged them to continue their efforts and urged other groups and associations to emulate their good example for healthier living.
She appealed to the public to continue cooperating with the government and its agencies to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy Kwara for residents and potential investors.
