The Ogun State Government has prosecuted 108 persons for violating environmental laws in Abeokuta, following their arrest by the Waste Management Authority
Penpushing reports that the Special Adviser on Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Farook Akintunde, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, disclosing that the offenders were apprehended across different parts of the state
The Special Adviser added that the arrest was effected for dumping refuse on roadsides, medians and other public places, adding the enforcement team carried out the operation in line with the state’s waste management regulations, which prohibit indiscriminate disposal of refuse in public spaces.
Penpushing further reports that Akintunde stated that the offenders had been prosecuted in various customary courts and fined to serve as a deterrent, stressing that its unfortunate that the government has to go this route to stop some of people from dumping waste indiscriminately on roadsides and in public places
The Special Adviser pointed out that the government had made several efforts to address the issue through public sensitisation and improved waste collection services, but some residents continued to violate the law.
“It’s just unfortunate that we have to go this route to stop some of our people from dumping waste indiscriminately on roadsides and in public places. We have sensitised, appealed and even encouraged them to hand over their waste-to-Waste PSP assigned to their areas for proper waste disposal, but to no avail’, he said
‘We are determined to continue this exercise until they see the need to stop dumping waste indiscriminately, especially now that the state is wearing a new look in terms of proper waste management’, he stated
Penpushing also reports that he said the authority would sustain the enforcement drive until compliance improves, and warned of the environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal.
The Special Adviser emphasized that dumping waste indiscriminately is not safe, as it can lead to flooding and contaminate groundwater during this rainy season, which the state government will not allow.
Penpushing reports that Akintunde urged residents to comply with the law or face prosecution, stressing that those who continue to dump waste illegally should stop forthwith or prepare to face their days in courts law as the state government will not fold its hands and allow a few individuals to deface the environment through unlawful environmental practices.
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