Kogi Sanitation Law: A wake up call, By Mike Abu

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The signing into law of the bill establishing Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board;” A Wake Up” call is a commentary written by Abu Micheal,Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Deputy Governor.

The recent signing into law by Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada the bill for the establishment, functions and powers of the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board emphasizes the importance placed on the well being and healthy living of Kogi people.

The bill to establish the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board earlier passed by the State House of Assembly, was occasioned by the indiscriminate dumping of waste and haphazard physical development witnessed in the State on assumption of office by the present administration.

The place of clean environment in the life of a people cannot be over emphasized,little wonder the present administration has since its assumption of office placed so much priority in the control of waste disposal,unplanned development and beautification.

For a state that is blessed with intellectuals,people who are exposed and have widely traveled having made their marks in all fields of chosen endeavors,nothing short of sanitation and town planning excellence is expected from the people.

Unfortunately this is not what is obtainable in the State as over the years people operate without recourse to civilized sanitation norms.

Lokoja for example is an ancient town that once served as the nation’s capital.
Much no doubt is expected from the seat of government in terms of beautification,sanitation and cleanliness.

Unfortunately,when compared with other cities, Lokoja the Kogi State Capital,that once hosted Lord Fredrick Lugard the Governor General of Nigeria and has an enviable place in history, has been termed in several quarters as the most dirtiest State Capital in the country,a record that places the State in bad light.

Within the last two years,the Kogi State Deputy Governor,Yomi Awoniyi,as mandated by the Governor, Capt Idris Wada has coordinated the affairs of the Waste Management board along side the Acting General Manager, Mrs Florence Joseph and its dedicated staff, have worked tirelessly and un relentlessly to make Lokoja the city that can compete favorably with its peers.

Government’s purchase of trucks to convey waste materials,creation of dumping sites,distribution of waste bins in strategic areas as well as employment of adhoc sanitation officers among other measures was the administration’s commitment to cleanliness.

The task to keep the State Capital clean unfortunately was however made difficult in view of the challenge the board was facing because its activities and functions were not backed by the right laws of enforcement.

The signing into law of the bill to empower the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board by Capt Idris Wada therefore underscores the place of making the State healthy for living by the people.

It is also an indication that the board has been given enormous powers to deliver on its mandate.

With the Governor’s present assent, the Board is now empowered to achieve a sustainable and orderly environment in the State. The Board has also been given the right to prosecute sanitation offenders.

The functions of storage, collection, transfer and disposal of waste which is part of Local government Councils functions to dispose waste have now been strengthened by the Governor’s assent.

The new law also gives legitimate powers to the board which since its inception has operated without an enabling law to function effectively.

Some salient aspect the boards function covers include: removal and disposal of liquid waste; control and disposal of solid waste, control the walking or driving on prohibited areas.

The functions also include enforcing all laws and regulations concerning Waste Management and Sanitation as may be provided for in the State.

The State Governor’s assent clearly defines the Board’s objectives to amongst others include; secure the quality of the environment, conserve and use the environment and its natural resources.

Other objectives of the Board is to amongst others work towards minimizing the impact of physical development on the ecosystems of the State amongst others.

The signing into law and making legitimate the activities of the Kogi State Waste Management Board by Capt Idris Wada now ensures that owners or occupiers of premises clean and keep their premises and surroundings free from all undergrowths, weeds, filth, rubbish, litter, waste, refuse, obstruction of any description or any other nuisance.

Its other functions include removing, destroying or demolishing all illegal houses, buildings or structures within the State.

Also owners of residential buildings and regulated premises are by the new law expected to provide sanitary toilet facilities in their premises.

Now that the law has come into effect,much is expected from the staff of the Waste Management Board as they no longer have excuse not to deliver on their mandate.

Similarly,the people of the State now have to brace up to the task of obeying all laws made relating to sanitation and to make the state clean and habitable.

The decision by the Wada administration to make the beautification and sanitation of cities in Kogi State especially the State Capital Lokoja a top most agenda,is no doubt another plus in the administration’s transformation agenda and should serve as a wake up call for all and sundry that it is no longer business as usual.

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