Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Isaac Ishola, on Thursday, said the state government had commenced House to House public health and hygiene sensitization to ensure compliance to one house, one refuse drum policy of the state.

The Commissioner in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, said dumping of refuse into rivers and streams channels as well as road median remain prohibited, stating that the Ministry had dredged 50 streams and rivers in the state between 2014 to 2017.

Ishola said measures were being taken to expand some rivers in the state for free flow of water through the construction of about 14 priority sites to expand river hydraulic and bridges.

He reiterated that it is a legal and moral offence for anybody to drop refuse inside rivers, streams and road median, urging that people should stay away from flood plains once the rain persists for more than half hour.

He said, “The beginning of failure, is the failure to plan, as a responsible State Government we have identified some rivers and streams that are due to be dredged in order to have a flood free raining season. We are also calling on our people to desist from activities that can cause flooding in the state.

“Furthermore, we have started the House to House campaign of the government’s policy of One House, One Drum to ensure that people are aware of their responsibilities."

Ishola stressed that each house as a matter of civic responsibility is expected to patronise private refuse collectors as assigned by management of Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA), revealing that the government is planning to establish Oyo State Enforcement Agency to complement the various enforcement strategies of the Ministry.

He then called on the people of the state, who have their houses built on the flood prone areas, to vacate such houses to prevent the loss of lives and properties.