— Alabi: “Morning and night policing continues as we intensify efforts for a cleaner city.”
The Ondo State Waste Management Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing enforcement and clean-up exercises aimed at keeping Akure, the state capital, clean and free from indiscriminate waste dumping.
Chairman of the Authority, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, stated this in an interview with Roving Reporters on Monday, explaining that the enforcement and clean-up operations had commenced months ago but are being intensified as part of continuous efforts to maintain environmental sanity.
“We have been carrying out early morning and night policing to apprehend offenders bringing waste to public places,” she said. “This is not a one-off exercise; it is continuous. We are determined to ensure residents stop indiscriminate dumping and embrace proper waste storage.”
Waste Containerization Campaign Drive
Mrs. Alabi explained that the Authority has strengthened its waste containerization campaign, encouraging residents to use prescribed dustbins for proper storage of refuse.
“Containerization simply means using a dustbin to store your waste properly,” she explained. “We are discouraging the habit of daily generation and daily disposal which leads to fly-tipping and dirty surroundings. Residents should store their waste temporarily for about two to five days until the assigned waste collectors come.”
She added that agency officials are conducting one-on-one sensitization campaigns along Arakale Road and other major areas in Akure to educate the public on responsible waste management practices.
“Our Chairman wishes to report that we have successfully carried out several of these programs and we are intensifying our efforts again,” she added.
Continuous Clean-Up of Illegal Dumps and Improved Dumpsite Operations
According to Mrs. Alabi, the state government has continued its massive clean-up exercise, clearing illegal dumps in areas such as Ade Super Area, Shasha–Igoba/Ado Junction, Oke Ogba, Oba-Ile/Airport Road, and Ondo NTA Road.
She said the Aponmu dumpsite has been rehabilitated to ensure free access for waste trucks and faster evacuation of refuse.
“The dumpsite is now accessible and free; trucks can now enter and exit easily without getting stuck as before. This has improved waste evacuation and reduced delays,” she noted.
Alabi Commends Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Support
Mrs. Alabi commended the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support and prompt financial intervention that have sustained daily waste evacuations across the state.
“We sincerely appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa for his prompt financial support and commitment to ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment,” she said.
She also applauded the cooperation of residents and urged them to imbibe the culture of cleanliness and healthy living in their daily activities.
“We cannot achieve 100 percent cleanliness overnight, but by our current performance, we are above 70 percent. Waste generation is continuous, so our clean-up and enforcement must also be continuous,” she added.
