Oyo Govt Begins Major Refuse Evacuation Drive* ... calls for Residents’ Compliance

The Oyo State Government has heightened actions to restore environmental sanity as the  Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, led his management team on an inspection of ongoing refuse evacuation along major roads within Ibadan, including the Iwo Road axis.

The inspection aimed to assess the progress of the clean-up exercise and address the growing concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal by some residents.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner described the situation as an unfortunate consequence of non-compliance with environmental sanitation laws by some citizens who dump refuse on road medians, drainages, and water channels.

He noted that such practices have created environmental hazards, obstructed water flow, and contributed to flooding and unhealthy surroundings, particularly around busy commercial areas.

He emphasized that the intervention by the government is a rescue mission to address the immediate environmental mess, stressing that the administration of Seyi Makinde remains committed to safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development.

According to him, the current exercise is being carried out across multiple locations, including Araromi Market at Iwo Road and sections of the Academy Expressway drainage.

The Commissioner, however, lamented that the funds being utilized for the evacuation exercise could have been channeled into other developmental projects that would directly benefit residents.

He stressed that indiscriminate dumping not only defaces the state but also diverts scarce resources meant for infrastructure and social development.

Aderinto appealed to residents to comply with environmental laws by working closely with accredited waste collectors instead of disposing waste indiscriminately.

He warned that dumping refuse on road medians and in drainages contributes to flooding, endangers public health, and tarnishes the image of the state, discouraging investment and growth.

While acknowledging that the government is compelled to undertake the costly evacuation exercise due to public complaints, he stressed that such efforts are not sustainable in the long run.

He urged residents to report challenges with waste collectors through appropriate government channels, including the state’s complaint platforms, rather than taking matters into their own hands. 

Aderinto further warned that strict enforcement would follow the clean-up exercise, noting that penalties are already stipulated for offenders under the environmental laws.