The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a 300-member task force with the mandate to ensure proper refuse disposal and clean environment across the state.
In a speech at the inauguration, the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, said that the task force team comprised staff members of the ministry, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel and members of vigilance groups.
Buge said that the task force would run three shifts: morning, afternoon and night, addung that they were expected to work in synergy for good result.
She said that the ministry’s investigation showed that there was more indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the early morning and evening hours.
“The fine for indiscriminate dumping of refuse is N50,000 for individuals, while roadside shop owners is N100,000 and corporate organisations is N250,000.
“However, an option of fine is six months in correctional centre or community service for a number of days,” she said.
The commissioner also spoke on the problem of flooding in some parts of the state, saying that measures were being put in place to check it as well as its impact on roads.
According to her, some drains need to be expanded, while others need to be desilted to allow for unhindered flow of water.
She also said that government planned to construct more drains to further tackle the menace.
The commissioner promised to sustain the ongoing community engagement and media sensitisation in order to disabuse unacceptable practices and popularise the new strategies.
The Chief Magistrate, Ibrahim Dansuki, administered the oath of allegiance to the task force.
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
