The Oyo State Government has expressed strong concern over the growing trend of indiscriminate refuse dumping on road medians and other unauthorized locations.
The Director-General of the state’s Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Morohunkola Thomas, made this known in a statement released by the agency’s media team in Ibadan on Thursday.
Thomas highlighted the urgent need for residents to stop improper waste disposal, noting that it poses serious environmental and health risks.
He stated, “Dumping of refuse in drainages can cause blockage, thereby leading to flooding in the environment. According to NIMET’s prediction, the state is among the states that would be experiencing floods this year.”
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Emphasizing the need for caution during the rainy season, he added, “There is a need for a proactive approach to the dumping of refuse, especially during this rainy season period.”
He warned that anyone caught violating waste disposal regulations would face penalties as enforced by the Rule of Law Enforcement agency. “Anyone found guilty will be given appropriate punishment by the Rule of Law Enforcement agency.”
Thomas further decried the poor sanitation levels in the state capital, saying, “Our environment is very dirty, especially in Ibadan metropolis, our people need re-orientation. The government will impose appropriate penalties on anyone whose shop or business is located on a road median where refuse has been dropped.”
He urged residents to support the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration towards creating a healthier environment.
“We have a responsibility to join hands with the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to promote a cleaner environment which is a prerequisite for preventing the outbreak of diseases in our communities,” he added.
