Kwara Government Inaugurates 300 Task Force Officers to Tackle Indiscriminate Waste Disposal

The Kwara State Government has inaugurated 300 task force officers as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the growing problem of indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.

The announcement was made on Monday, August 12, 2024, by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Musa Buge, during a media engagement at the Ministry’s conference hall in Ilorin.

Commissioner Buge emphasized that the issue of improper waste disposal has become a widespread problem that requires immediate action.

She stressed that it is illegal to dump refuse on road medians, road dividers, roundabouts, gutters, drainage channels, and waterways. The new task force officers will be responsible for enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance throughout the state.

In her address, Hon. Buge warned that anyone caught displaying wares or goods beyond the gutter on the roadside for trading activities will face penalties.

She also announced the removal of large roll-roll (waste) bins from roadsides and roundabouts, which will be relocated to secure locations that do not obstruct vehicular movement.

To facilitate proper waste disposal, the Ministry of Environment has strategically placed waste bins at various collection points. These bins will be regularly emptied, with refuse being transported to final dump sites within 24 hours.

The Commissioner also revealed that scavenging is now prohibited within the Ilorin metropolis, and previously registered scavengers are required to conduct their activities only at the government dump site at Sokoto-Aiyekale off the Expressway.

The state government has engaged 38 Commercial Waste Consultants to manage waste collection across different communities.

Residents are encouraged to pay a monthly fee for refuse collection services or to dispose of their waste in government-provided mobile collection vans when they visit their communities.

Additionally, the Ministry will supply medium-sized waste collection bins to shop owners and households to ensure proper waste management.

The newly inaugurated task force officers will play a key role in enforcing these measures and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment in Kwara State.

Commissioner Buge urged the public to cooperate with the government’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the state’s environmental goals.