The Oyo State Government has commenced house-to-house enforcement of its waste collection policy, giving residents and business owners found without appropriate waste bins or approved collection arrangements 48 hours to comply or risk sanctions.
Environmental officers from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources have begun inspecting residential buildings, business premises and other facilities across the state as part of efforts to ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this on Tuesday during the flag-off of the enforcement exercise.
Aderinto explained that the exercise was in line with state laws requiring residents, businesses and other establishments to make proper arrangements for the disposal of their waste.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the enforcement became necessary to tackle the environmental, aesthetic, economic and public health problems associated with improper waste disposal.
According to Aderinto, officials are inspecting premises to determine whether occupants have appropriate waste bins and are registered with approved waste consultants designated to their areas.
He said premises found without the required bins or proper waste collection arrangements would be issued abatement notices and given a 48-hour grace period to comply.
The Commissioner warned that premises that fail to comply within the stipulated period would face enforcement measures, including possible closure.
He added that the exercise would continue across the state until the desired level of compliance is achieved.
Aderinto urged residents to cooperate with the government by providing appropriate waste bins and engaging only approved waste consultants assigned to their locations.
He also called on residents to report accredited waste collectors who fail to evacuate waste as required to the Ministry or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA).
The Commissioner assured that waste consultants found violating the terms of their operations would face appropriate sanctions, including possible revocation of their operating licences.
