The Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, through its newly inaugurated Environmental Monitoring Corps (EMC), has arrested 10 residents for indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the community.
Ayinde Akinsanya, executive chairman of the LCDA, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the offenders were caught dumping refuse by the roadside, despite repeated warnings and sensitisation through radio broadcasts and stakeholder engagements.
The chairman noted that they were apprehended at various locations, including Ikotun Roundabout, Oju-Odo, Ikotun BRT Bus Stop, and Igando.
He added that those arrested comprised two women and eight men.
“We are addressing environmental violations with strict enforcement, and anyone caught will face the wrath of the law.
“Our concern is that, in spite of continuous enlightenment and warnings, some residents are still engaged in illegal waste disposal. Such actions will no longer be tolerated.
“The indiscriminate disposal of refuse poses serious risks to public health and the environment,” he added.
Mr Akinsanya noted that following pleas and appeals by the offenders, they were made to sign undertakings acknowledging their involvement in the act.
The chairman, however, directed them to pay fines to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and warned them not to repeat the offence.
“We directed that each of them should pay the LAWMA fine and warned that failure to comply would result in legal action,” he added.
Mr Akinsanya urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and to use approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for waste disposal.
(NAN)