OGUN STATE TO INTRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL MARSHALS SOON In order to ensure strict compliance and garner support for the urban renewal programme of the present administration, the Ogun State Ministry of Environment will soon introduce environmental Marshals that will enforce sanitation compliance in the State. The Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso stated this at a consultative meeting held with domestic waste collectors in Abeokuta, the State capital. Tejuoso who frowned at the non-compliance attitudes of inhabitants towards the domestic waste collectors said his Ministry will soon introduce Environmental Marshals that will ensure strict compliance with all environmental laws; adding that publicity to this effect will commence in earnest with the enabling laws. “By now, the general public should know that waste managers exist and maximum cooperation is expected of them by strict compliance in payment of their monthly dues knowing fully well that the service you render is for their benefits”, the Commissioner said. The environmental laws of the State, Tejuoso said were being reviewed by the State House of Assembly which would help the Environmental Marshals in the effective discharge of their duties in prosecuting any erring member of the public. “We will embark on advocacy programme by enlightening and sensitizing the public on the operation of environmental Marshals in the State by August this year and the enforcement will commence thereafter”, he affirmed. Speaking earlier on behalf of the waste managers, Mr. Ayodeji Kuku, said they were faced with lots of challenges especially from the public as they were not ready to cooperate with the payment of the monthly dues coupled with lack of awareness of their services and non-availability of quality equipment. “We want to plead with the government to help us alleviate some of the challenges we’ve been facing from the public because it appears they are not informed about our operations and services in the State. We therefore appeal that the government partner with us in the procurement of basic equipment that will boost our operations”, he pleaded.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 08:59:44 +0000