Ekiti council boss threatens sanctions over indiscriminate waste disposal

The Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Bayo Omojola, has cautioned residents against indiscriminate disposal of waste in drains, warning that defaulters will be penalised.

Omojola issued the warning during an unscheduled visit to the Oja Oba market and motor parks in Ikole-Ekiti on Sunday.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, he criticised the habit of dumping or burning refuse in drainage channels and insisted that anyone caught would face sanctions.

He explained that waste carelessly thrown into drains often obstructs the free flow of water, leading to flooding within the community.

“Any individual caught dumping refuse in drains or dredged waterways will be punished according to the State Environmental Law. The state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has worked hard to ensure that every part of Ekiti does not experience flooding during the rainy season.

“It is our duty as responsible indigenes of Ekiti to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse so that whenever the rainy season comes, we all have peace of mind.

“I want all environmental officers to be vigilant. Any shop owner who dumps refuse in any of the drains should be punished according to the State Environmental Laws,” he said.

Omojola also appealed to residents to make proper use of waste bins or register with the Waste Management Board to ensure regular and affordable waste collection.