By Evelyn Unuigbe
The Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability has warned traders and residents across the State to uphold healthy environmental practices or risk sanctions.
The Commissioner, Engr. Osasere Evbuomwan, who led officials from Oredo Local Government Council and the Edo State Waste Management Board to the popular Oba Market said the sanitation of the markets and residential areas is now a routine exercise in Benin.
Evbuomwan, who frowned at the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by shop owners and residents in the area announced that the Ministry will no longer spare violators, and warned that sanctions will be imposed in line with the environmental laws of Edo State.
“Government has provided collecting points for dropping off waste to be collected by evacuators yet people still dump waste indiscriminately,” he said.
He urged residents and traders to bag their refuse properly to make it easier for evacuation, and appealed to residents to keep their surroundings clean, trim grasses, and plant flowers to beautify their environment to reduce the breeding of disease vectors that can lead to illnesses.
The General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imarhiagbe, urged residents to pay their waste bills promptly and reiterated that Waste Managers who failed in their responsibility will be sanctioned.
The Liaison Officer, Oredo Local Government Council, Mr. Thomas Aroko warned that traders who refuse to pay for their waste, will not be spared. He added that the council will collaborate with the Ministry to bring up strategies that will help improve the sanitary condition of the markets in Edo State.
On his part, the Head of Local Government Administration, HOLGA, Mr Kessington Osifo, noted that Government has put measures in place to ensure that markets and their environs are in a good sanitary condition and assured of the Council’s commitment towards a clean environment always.
Recall that Governor Obaseki in his New Year address told residents that the state will focus on cleaning and greening its environment.
