The Kwara State Government has again warned traders at Sunday Sunday Market, Kulende, Sango area in Ilorin to desist, henceforth, from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road medians and drainages.
The traders were equally given a marching order to maintain the road setback and adhere strictly to other environmental laws in the state to avoid being sanctioned.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Remilekun Banigbe handed down the warning during her visit to the market, in a bid to ensure that the state keeps pace with global environmental standard.
The Commissioner, in company of her team and the General Manager, KWEPA, Alh. Sa'ad Ayuba Dan-Musa, while inspecting and participating in maintaining adequate road setback at the market, disclosed that indiscriminate dumping of refuse may eventually engulf the state with outbreak of disease.
She noted that such attitude may result in the blockage of drainage, which can cause unbearable heavy flood that could put to jeopardy millions of lives and property in the state.
Hon. Banigbe frowned at the recalcitrant traders at Sango market, who displays their goods on the road side, pointing out that such attitude could make them vulnerable by exposing them to mechanical and human dangers on the road.
She added that the market layout is structured in a way that can accommodate traders and their goods, imploring them to desist from displaying their goods on the road side.
The Commissioner also reiterated her commitment to ensure that the Ministry of Environment conforms with global practice, through proactive measures that the Ministry is putting in place to change the lackadaisical attitude of the people towards a clean environment.
The Ministry, according to her, will not condone any form of misbehaviour from the defiant traders that may mar the efforts of the state government in sustaining its position in the world map.
Hon. Banigbe also implored the traders to make effective use of the waste disposal bin available in the market, adding that effective use of the bin will pave multitude of ways for a sane market environment.
Okanlawon Taiwo
Press Secretary
Ministry of Environment