The Oyo State Government has commenced the enforcement of the house to house waste collection policy across the State, with environmental officers of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources embarking on inspections of residential buildings, business premises and other facilities to ensure compliance with proper waste management regulations.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated this during the flag off of the enforcement exercise on Tuesday, explaining that the measure was in line with the laws of the State mandating residents, businesses and other establishments to have proper arrangements for the disposal of their waste.
He noted that the enforcement was necessary to address the environmental, aesthetic,Economic and public health challenges associated with improper waste management.
According to him, the exercise involves inspecting premises to ascertain whether occupants have appropriate waste bins and are registered with approved and designated waste consultants assigned to their locations.
He disclosed that buildings found without the required waste bins or proper waste collection arrangements were being served abatement notices and given a 48 hour grace period to comply.
Hon. Aderinto stressed that failure to comply within the stipulated 48 hours would attract enforcement action, including the closure of defaulting premises, noting that the government would continue the exercise across the State until the required level of compliance is achieved.
The Commissioner urged residents to cooperate with the government by obtaining appropriate waste bins and engaging only approved waste consultants designated to their areas.
He also advised residents to report any accredited waste collector who fails to evacuate waste as required to the Ministry or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA), assuring that such consultants would face appropriate sanctions, including possible revocation of their operating licences.
