The Kwara State Government recently sealed off 14 buildings due to concerns over unsanitary conditions.
According to The PUNCH, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa-Buge disclosed this in Ilorin, the State capital on Thursday
Speaking to journalists, Musa-Buge emphasized that the action was taken to address the impact of these unsanitary environments on the surrounding communities.
She explained that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring a clean and safe environment.
“This is necessary to reiterate the government’s commitment to sustaining a hygienic and safe environment,” she stated.
Earlier this week, eight buildings were sealed off in the Sabo-Oke area of Ilorin South Local Government, while another six were shut down on Onikun-Kewu Street in the Adabata Area of Ilorin.
The state government has been taking decisive action against properties violating environmental regulations to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.
Musa-Buge highlighted that the properties in question had failed to comply with the state’s environmental laws, prompting the enforcement measures.
“It is no longer news that Environmental Health Officers across the 16 LGAs have begun the enforcement of environmental laws,” she said, adding that house-to-house inspections of toilet facilities are now being conducted to promote healthy living standards.
Despite repeated campaigns by the ministry against open defecation and the importance of proper sanitation facilities, some residents continue to expose human waste through defective soakaways, posing a risk to public health.
“This occurs through their defective soak-aways. But this practice is dangerous to the living conditions of the residents in these areas,” Musa-Buge warned.
The commissioner assured that the government would continue with these inspections to monitor compliance and enforce the necessary laws.
She urged residents to support the government’s efforts to create a clean and habitable environment, noting that the initiative is already yielding positive results.
Landlords were particularly advised to ensure that their properties are equipped with standard toilet facilities, as failure to do so could lead to prosecution.
“Anyone found wanting would be prosecuted accordingly,” Musa-Buge cautioned.
The ongoing inspections and enforcement actions are part of the state’s broader strategy to uphold environmental health standards and attract investment by creating a conducive environment for both residents and businesses.
