The Nasarawa State Government has declared a state of emergency on illegal refuse dumping across the state, with a particular focus on Lafia, the state capital, where the environmental menace has reached alarming levels.
Princess Margaret Itake Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, announced this decisive action during an interview with journalists on Tuesday. The declaration came after authorities installed warning signposts at Agwan Jaba, a neighborhood that has become notorious for unauthorized waste disposal.
Agwan Jaba, located along a major highway in Lafia's metropolitan area, has transformed into an unsightly refuse hotspot that damages the city's image and poses significant public health risks.
"Existing designated dumping sites are available, and failure to comply will lead to legal consequences," Elayo stated, expressing frustration over the recurring pollution that persists despite regular sanitation exercises conducted by the government.
The commissioner emphasized that the ministry is intensifying public awareness campaigns about the dangers of illegal dumping, particularly near schools and residential areas. She highlighted that environmental cleanliness extends beyond aesthetics to directly impact public health and wellbeing.
"Illegal dumping will no longer be tolerated," she warned, adding that offenders would face severe penalties as enforcement measures tighten across the state. The government aims to preserve the infrastructure legacies of Governor Abdullahi Sule's administration while ensuring a cleaner environment for residents.
As part of the comprehensive approach, authorities will begin systematic documentation of illegal dump sites across Lafia. This initiative aims to identify hotspots and hold offenders accountable for environmental violations.
The state's emergency declaration represents a significant step toward addressing waste management challenges that have plagued urban centers in Nasarawa, reflecting growing concerns about environmental sustainability and public health protection in rapidly developing areas.
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