In a bid to curb the persistent issue of road encroachment by traders and to regulate the activities of scavengers in the state, the Kwara State Government (KWSG) has initiated a comprehensive sensitization campaign in major markets.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, announced the government’s commitment during a press briefing at his office on Wednesday.
Commissioner Ndanusa emphasized the need for strict adherence to the policies of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration regarding road encroachment, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and open defecation. Environmental officers have commenced sensitization programs targeting marketers in key markets across the state.
Starting from the first week of February, the government plans to enforce penalties on erring traders caught obstructing pedestrian paths, medians, or any area impeding the free flow of traffic. Goods belonging to such violators will be confiscated as part of the punitive measures.
Furthermore, the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on pedestrian paths and other unauthorized areas will incur fines of N50,000 for individuals and N200,000 for corporate organizations. The Commissioner urged market stakeholders to collaborate with the government to foster a healthier living environment.
In a parallel development, the Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to regulating the operations of scavengers in the state to enhance the security and well-being of residents, as well as boost the state’s revenue.
During the flag-off ceremony at the Ministry’s conference hall in Ilorin, Commissioner Ndanusa announced the distribution of uniform jackets with unique codes to scavengers for proper identification. The move aims to control the activities of scavengers and ensure their compliance with relevant environmental laws.
The Commissioner warned scavengers against engaging in criminal activities and stressed the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. The uniform jackets, designed with identity codes, will facilitate easy identification of registered scavengers.
Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for the Ministry’s operations through various impactful projects. She urged residents, especially scavengers, to comply with environmental laws to avoid arrest and prosecution.
In response, Mallam Jelili, the representative of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, lauded the state government for its responsiveness to the needs of the masses.
He expressed the association’s commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve effective road management and tackle indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
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