Oyo begins house-to-house waste bin enforcement, warns defaulters
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Government has commenced enforcement of its house-to-house waste collection policy across the state, with environmental officers inspecting residential buildings, business premises and other facilities to ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during the flag-off of the enforcement exercise on Tuesday, saying the measure was in line with state laws requiring residents, businesses and other establishments to make proper arrangements for waste disposal.
Aderinto said the enforcement was necessary to address the environmental, aesthetic, economic and public health challenges associated with improper waste management across the state.
He explained that officials would inspect premises to determine whether occupants have appropriate waste bins and are registered with approved waste consultants designated to their respective locations.
The commissioner disclosed that buildings found without the required waste bins or proper waste collection arrangements would be served abatement notices and given a 48-hour grace period to comply with the directive.
He further warned that premises that fail to comply within the stipulated period would face enforcement action, including possible closure, adding that the exercise would continue across the state until the required level of compliance is achieved.
Aderinto also urged residents to obtain appropriate waste bins and engage only approved waste consultants assigned to their areas. He advised residents to report accredited waste collectors who fail to evacuate waste as required to the ministry or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA).
He assured residents that waste consultants found to be failing in their responsibilities would face appropriate sanctions, including possible revocation of their operating licences, as the government intensifies efforts to improve waste management and maintain a cleaner environment across Oyo State.
