Edo arrests two persons for indiscriminate refuse disposal

Intensifies campaign for clean environment

Edo State government has arrested two persons for flouting its directive against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

One of those arrested was convicted at the mobile court.

General Manager of the State Waste Management Board, Osadebamwen Charles Imariagbe, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen, said the board has intensified the ‘Clean Edo’ campaign, aimed at ending indiscriminate disposal of waste across the state and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.

He said government is determined to ensure that the state is clean as measures have been deployed to ensure all citizens comply.

He said: “Few weeks ago, we launched the ‘#Edo Must Be Clean’ Campaign, embarking on sensitisation rallies along with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to let the people know that indiscriminate refuse disposal in the state will no longer be tolerated, as modality has already been put in place to arrest anyone that violates the regulations.

“Some people were caught dumping refuse indiscriminately and they will face the law. These persons were arraigned before a magistrate. We will continue to go around the city.

“We have notified people through various communication channels but they still dump refuse at these places despite the warnings.
“Ignorance is no longer an excuse. Anyone caught will face the law. Edo must be clean, as we all should work together to make this possible.”

Commenting on the campaign, a trader in Oba Market, Benin City, Imade Smart, told newsmen that some persons are in the habit of dumping refuse at the markets during odd hours.

“We are doing our best to monitor them and assure that any person caught will be handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution,” he added.