Osun Govt Dredges 250km Of Waterways

By Sola Jacobs

Government of the State of Osun has again warned that whoever is caught dumping refuse on waterways would not be pitied by the government, but dealt with, with instrument of the law.

He said the government has investment heavily in the management of the environment in the state through dredging of over 250 kilometres of its waterways among others to ensure flood free rainy season in the state, saying, the investment would not be allowed to waste through the lackadaisical attitude of some ungrateful citizens.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in the state, Mr Korede Idowu disclosed during a chat with OSUN DEFENDER in his office on Tuesday, reiterating the commitment of the state government to protect lives and properties by taking proactive measures to avert flooding in the state.

He regretted that inspite the investment of the government and several warnings, some individuals have remained ignorantly adamant and continued to demonstrate unpatriotic stance by dumping waste on waterways, warning that such persons should desist or be prosecuted if caught in the act.

According to him, the O’Clean Marshals activities have been reviewed and empowered to arrest and prosecute those who violate environmental and sanitation laws in the state, saying waste policing will resume fully in the state.

Describing the dumping of refuse on waterways as a violation of environmental laws, he therefore warned those who dump waste indiscriminately at unauthorised places, stressing that when the effect of their crime would come calling then the citizens and the government would be at the receiving end.

On the activities of Private Waste collectors in the state, he urged the populace to keep on patronising them, rather than engaging in open burning of wastes, saying that burning of waste is harmful to the environment and the government would not hesitate to prosecute those who continue with such practice.

Korede however admonished the people in the state to cooperate with environment health officials in the state to promote healthy living and protect lives and property by desisting from dumping refuse on waterways, so as to prevent flooding in all the towns and cities in the state.

Besides, he also warned against street trading in the state, saying, such practice would no longer be condone, as precious lives have been lost in the process.