By Dare AKOGUN

THE Kwara State government has inaugurated a 300-member task force to tackle indiscriminate refuse dumping in the Ilorin metropolis.

Launching the team, the State Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Musa Buge, emphasised the urgent need to tackle the pervasive problem of improper waste disposal in the state capital.

She said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy environment and preventing potential disease outbreaks such as cholera and other communicable diseases prevalent in the country.

“Indiscriminate dumping of refuse is a widespread issue that demands immediate intervention,” Buge stated. She added, “Our approach involves both aggressive waste management reforms and public sensitisation on the hazards of improper refuse disposal.”

To effectively, combat the challenge, the ministry outlined several new strategies.

“Dumping refuse on road medians, road dividers, roundabouts, gutters, drainage channels, and waterways is now prohibited. Violators will face penalties.

“Larger roll-roll waste bins previously placed on roadsides and roundabouts will be relocated to secure areas to prevent obstruction of vehicular traffic. Smaller waste bins have been positioned at various collection points for efficient waste evacuation,” Buge noted.

According to her, the ministry has engaged 38 commercial waste consultants assigned to different communities to facilitate refuse collection for a nominal fee.

The government will also collect waste in mobile vans, adding that scavenging in the metropolis has been prohibited.

She directed registered scavengers to conduct their activities at the government-approved dump site at Sokoto-Aiyekale.

Buge said the Ministry would continue its efforts in community engagement and media sensitisation to promote proper waste disposal practices.

She stated that the newly inaugurated task force would operate round the clock to monitor compliance with the regulations.

Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Dansuki, who administered the oath of allegiance to the task force members, underscored the importance of adhering to environmental laws to avoid penalties.

A report by The ICIR revealed how Kwara communities faced epidemics threats from filthy environment.