Ekiti State Government has cautioned its citizens against establishing dump sites near residential buildings, citing potential health hazards.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, issued the warning in Ilupeju Ekiti on Saturday, while overseeing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Oye Local Government Area.
She emphasized that such practices could expose residents to serious diseases like Cholera and Diarrhea. Areas visited during the exercise included Ire, Ilupeju, Oye, and Ayegbaju Ekiti, all within Oye LGA.
In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Mrs. Afuye urged residents to ensure that their waste and sewage disposal sites are situated far away from residential areas to avoid health risks.
Places visited include Ire, Ilupeju,Oye, and Ayegbaju Ekiti, all in Oye LGA.
“This environmental sanitation is for your own sake and safety. We pray we don’t have epidemics in Ekiti, but you can’t be locating dump sites near your homes and expect your wellness not to be endangered.
“I appeal to you, try and correct this anomaly for your safety. We didn’t want you to be spending your hard earned monies on sickness,” she advised.
The deputy governor also visited Oye Central Market to educate traders about the prohibition of displaying goods during environmental sanitation, which is in violation of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.
She then proceeded to the palace of the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, to officially report the illegal activities of traders during the sanitation exercise.
Mrs. Afuye and the monarch later addressed the traders inside the market, warning them to refrain from such unlawful behavior.
The deputy governor emphasized that individuals who flout the exercise are considered saboteurs and will face consequences if found guilty.
“Next time we see you like this, we won’t hesitate to arrest you and confiscate all your goods while those arrested will be made to face the full weight of the law. But, I want to appeal to you that you shouldn’t allow this to happen,” she warned.
In his address, Oba Ademolaju, expressed deep concern over the violation, describing it as very troubling. He mentioned that the leaders of the market women had previously conducted extensive sensitization campaigns to emphasize the importance of complying with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Expressing disappointment over the traders’ actions, the monarch cautioned that such behavior should not recur in future exercises. He emphasized that the government has the authority to apprehend offenders and apply appropriate sanctions.
