Stop Dumping Wastes on Waterways, Kwara State Government Appeals to Citizens

In light of the upcoming rainy season, Kwara State Government has warned residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse along waterways, drainages, and along road medians.

The government highlighted the need for clean and free flow of drains so that flooding and the risk of disease outbreaks would be averted during the rainy season.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the government has stressed the risks that clogged drainage systems cause severe flooding as well as threatens the environmental health of the people.

Given that the rainy season characteristically feature torrential rains, which have a tendency to fill drainage channels, the state government is asking residents to act early in the proper management of their waste in a bid to prevent the exacerbation of such situations.

In a bid to curb the issue of indiscriminate dumping of waste, the Kwara State government has strengthened its environmental enforcement efforts.

In August 2024, the state established a 300-member environmental task force charged with observing and enforcing waste disposal regulations in Ilorin, the state capital.

The task force will be tasked with enforcing compliance with environmental rules, targeting areas that are prone to illegal dumping.

Those who are caught dumping waste in unauthorized areas will be penalized, with fines of between N50,000 for individuals and N500,000 for companies. Besides fines, offenders can be imprisoned.

The penalties are meant to discourage illegal dumping and promote proper waste disposal among residents.

In addition to enforcement, the Kwara State government has increased public awareness to inform the people of the importance of maintaining good waste management. Via its various platforms, the Ministry of Forestry and Environment has attempted to educate the people on the danger posed by clogged drains and how it is important for people to ensure their homes are clean and safe.

Public service announcements and community outreach programs have been targeted towards educating residents about how to get rid of garbage and the environmental consequences of not doing it.

The government has also clarified that residents who are in flood-prone areas should take measures as necessary, for example, relocate to a different area if possible, in order to avoid flooding.

The Kwara State government has insisted that the fight against flooding and illness due to waste can only succeed if the citizens work together with the authorities and obey the rules of waste disposal. The state has also provided waste bins at key areas to encourage good waste disposal, and it is also endeavoring to increase cooperation with private waste collection organizations to offer regular and efficient waste management.

“Preventing flooding and disease outbreaks needs the collaboration of all residents,” the state commissioner for environment said. “We all need to be responsible for keeping our environment clean. Proper waste disposal is crucial to realizing a healthier, safer Kwara State.”

While the rains draw near in a hurry, the Kwara State government’s message is crystal clear: residents must take immediate action to recycle waste and avoid polluting drainage channels and waterways. Public sensitization, government enforcement, and collaboration with residents are paramount in lessening the impact of seasonal flooding and creating a cleaner environment for all.

By embracing proper waste management and actively participating in activities sponsored by the state, Kwara residents can help provide a cleaner, more secure, and more sustainable environment for the entire state.