In a proactive move to avert environmental hazards ahead of the rainy season, the Kwara State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against the indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage systems, waterways, and road medians.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Nafisat Musa-Buge, sounded the warning during an inspection of designated refuse collection points across Ilorin, the state capital. She emphasized the critical need for proper waste management to mitigate flooding and the potential spread of diseases.

“Kwara has earned commendable recognition for environmental cleanliness. It is our collective responsibility to maintain this standard for the well-being of all,” she said.

Commending the increasing use of “Roro-bin” refuse points, Musa-Buge noted that this marks a positive shift from the past habit of discarding waste on road medians. She urged waste evacuation teams to intensify efforts to ensure timely removal of refuse to government-approved dump sites.

The commissioner also directed environmental officers and the State Environmental Taskforce to enforce existing sanitation laws rigorously, including arresting and sanctioning offenders.

“As we approach the peak of the rainy season, residents must stop dumping refuse in gutters, rivers, and other drainage channels to avoid the devastating effects of flooding,” she stated.

She further called for a united front in sustaining a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing environment across the state.

Areas visited during the inspection included Taiwo Road, Geri-Alimi/Sawmill, Airport area, Baboko, Oja-Oba, and Old Yidi Road/Gegele, where the commissioner assessed public compliance with sanitation directives.