The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has arrested and prosecuted 108 waste offenders in Abeokuta for indiscriminate dumping of refuse across the state capital.

The violators were arrested by OGWAMA’s enforcement team at different locations while dumping refuse on roadsides, public places and road medians, an act prohibited under the Ogun State waste management law.

Reacting on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Farook Adeniyi Akintunde yesterday said the offenders were prosecuted in various customary courts in Abeokuta and fined to deter others from engaging in unlawful waste disposal.

“It is unfortunate that we have to go this route to stop some of our people from dumping waste indiscriminately on roadsides and in public places,” Akintunde said.

Akintunde also noted that the arrests became necessary despite the government’s efforts at improving waste collection through door-to-door services provided by accredited Private Sector Participants (PSPs).

“We have sensitised, appealed and even encouraged residents to hand over their waste to the PSP operators assigned to their areas for proper disposal, but to no avail,” he added.

He stressed that OGWAMA would continue the enforcement exercise until residents comply with environmental regulations, particularly as the state records improvements in waste management.

“We are determined to sustain this exercise until people see the need to stop dumping waste indiscriminately, especially now that the state is wearing a new look in terms of proper waste management,” he said.

He send a strong warning that indiscriminate dumping poses serious environmental risks during the rainy season.

“Dumping waste indiscriminately is dangerous because it can lead to flooding and contaminate groundwater, and the state government will not allow that,” Akintunde said.

He therefore urged residents to desist from illegal dumping or be prepared to face prosecution.

“Anyone still dumping waste on roadsides and medians should stop immediately or prepare to face the law, because OGWAMA will not fold its hands and allow a few individuals to deface the environment,” he warned.