The Kwara State government has taken significant steps to enhance sanitation and public health in Ilorin, the state capital, by prosecuting five landlords for failing to provide adequate toilet facilities in their rental properties. This development was announced by Hajia Idayat Folorunso, the Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), during a recent sensitization and cleaning initiative held at the Mandate Market in Ilorin West. This exercise aimed not only to improve hygiene in the market but also to educate traders and residents about the importance of sanitation in preventing disease outbreaks. The collaboration with the Foundation for Dry Tap and River Basin Rejuvenation included logistical support for waste evacuation and the distribution of bins to help traders manage waste effectively.
Idayat reinforced the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean environment, which is a key priority of Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq’s administration. By closing down properties that violate sanitation laws and prosecuting their owners, the government aims to send a strong message about the importance of compliance with environmental regulations. Landlords who are found guilty of neglecting their responsibilities may face fines beginning at N50,000. This initiative underscores a broader ambition within the state to create a healthier living space for all residents, which is especially crucial in preventing outbreaks of diseases that can arise from poor sanitation.
The governmental effort extends beyond punitive measures, incorporating community education to ensure that traders and residents are well-informed about sanitation practices. Idayat emphasized the need for constant vigilance and adherence to hygiene standards to foster customer satisfaction and public health safety. The proactive approach taken by KWEPA includes regular outreach and monitoring of sanitation conditions, particularly as the rainy season approaches, when flooding and related health risks are heightened. The agency’s focus on effectively managing the environment by enforcing sanitation laws is expected to result in a cleaner and more pandemic-free atmosphere for Ilorin’s citizens.
KWEPA’s commitment to a clean environment involves sweeping measures, including relocating erring marketers from strategic waterways and ensuring that roadways remain unobstructed for transportation and water drainage. Recent enforcement actions have demonstrated the agency’s dedication to tackling sanitation issues head-on, even in the face of inclement weather. Environmental teams braved rainy conditions to clear drainage systems, ensuring that water can flow freely and preventing the accumulation of waste in public places. The collective efforts illustrate an organizational commitment to sustainable sanitation practices, emphasizing the connection between environmental cleanliness and overall public health.
Mr. Aliu Abdulateef, the spokesperson for the Foundation for Dry Tap and River Basin Rejuvenation, voiced the organization’s support for Kwara State’s clean environment initiatives. He highlighted their operational reach across 24 states in Nigeria, where they execute similar programs aimed at disease prevention and environmental sustainability. This collaboration with KWEPA aims to create a healthier community environment, addressing sanitation and waste management challenges that significantly impact public health. Their partnership marks a crucial step in enhancing community awareness and engagement regarding sanitary practices and the importance of hygiene.
As the Babaloja of Mandate Market, Alhaji Muritala Tambaruku, expressed appreciation for the government’s initiatives, he also voiced the traders’ concerns regarding the need for improved infrastructure, such as additional drainage systems and toilet facilities. His request reflects a broader necessity for the government’s engagement in long-term solutions that extend beyond immediate cleanup efforts. Traders are encouraged to maintain clean conditions within the market, while infrastructural improvements are likely to play a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable environment in which community health can thrive. Overall, the actions taken by the Kwara State government indicate a robust commitment to public health and environmental sustainability, critical for the well-being of its citizens.
