Oyo Warns Residents Against Dumping Wastes in Open Spaces

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Residents of Oyo State have been warned against dumping wastes in open spaces, especially on road medians as the state government says it is determined to take holistic measures that will create a turnaround in the environment sector,

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abiodun Oni, while speaking on Monday in Ibadan, said the state government has embarked on enforcement in its bid to ensure the success of an emergency clean-up exercise.

“To this end, there shall be no indiscriminate dumping of wastes on road medians and other open spaces,” Mr Oni said, adding that residents, traders and business owners are expected to pay promptly their apportioned waste bills to at least be responsible for the wastes they generate, which is part of their civic responsibilities.

He said the time has come for residents to appreciate and adopt the state government’s programme on waste management which in the long run would be beneficial to all, noting that his ministry, in conjunction with its waste management consultant, Mottanai Recycling, has mandated some appointed waste collectors to embark on a household door-to-door collection of wastes.

Speaking on the waste collectors, the Commissioner disclosed that over 197 have applied for the renewal of their contracts with the state government after their appointments were recently terminated allegedly due to the poor service delivery.

Mr Oni emphasised that the Oyo State government’s mandate is to ensure that its citizens stay in a clean and safe environment, saying “reapplication does not necessarily mean automatic re-engagement, as the criteria for re-engagement must be met to achieve the cleanliness and efficiency deserving of our citizens.”

“Planting of trees, cleanliness of the environment is of great concern. It would be of the interest of the people if willing to accept the government’s disposition to waste management,” he added, urging residents to take on some responsibilities particularly by fighting against the wrong attitude to waste disposal in the state.