The Ekiti State government has urged residents to adhere to effective and efficient waste management practices, particularly in urban centers throughout the state, Ekiti News reports.
Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, delivered the directive in Ado Ekiti during a meeting with the management staff of her Ministry.
She emphasized the importance of residents disposing of their refuse properly to prevent the spread of diseases in the state.
Highlighting the significance of avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse and illegal disposal in waterways, drainages, and gutters, Aluko cautioned that such practices are detrimental to public health and contribute to environmental untidiness.
She noted that “waste dump haphazardly contaminate the river, especially in the wet season. There are water contamination and water bodies blockage, soil and air pollution leading to flooding as well as avoidable communicable and non-communicable diseases in the environment”.
“Indiscriminate dumping of refuse also creates eyesore and are counter-progressive to the efforts of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to develop the State and improve the lot of the people”.
Warning that culprits of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the State would henceforth be prosecuted according to extant laws, the Commissioner stressed that proper waste disposal must be seen as a collective responsibility.
She however assured that Government would leave no stone unturned towards providing equipment and enabling environment to achieve the desired goal.
Aluko said that officials of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA) have been directed to be proactive and systematic in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She assured that the purchase of Dino Bins and Garbage Compactor trucks recently approved by the State Executive Council would also assist in easing the problem associated with proper waste disposal.