Improve water collection before enforcing penalties — Group to Osun govt
OSUN CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS CALL FOR IMPROVED WASTE SERVICES BEFORE ENFORCING PENALTIES
The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun has urged the state government to enhance waste collection services prior to implementing penalties for improper refuse disposal by residents.
In a press statement released Friday, the network condemned the reported arbitrary arrests of residents, the imposition of fines amounting to ₦50,000, the public display of alleged offenders, and the circulation of arrest videos on social media. The statement was signed by the group’s convener, Olowu Emmanuel.
The organization emphasized that the current waste management system is insufficient to effectively support the enforcement of environmental regulations. While expressing support for maintaining a clean and healthy environment, the group insisted that residents require access to functional waste disposal services before facing penalties for non-compliance.
“Our position is simple: the government must provide a workable waste disposal system before punishing residents for improper waste disposal,” the statement read.
The network expressed concerns regarding Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste collection operators, who reportedly visit some communities only once every month or two. This limited access to proper disposal opportunities, the group noted, exacerbates the waste management problem.
To address the situation, the organization called upon the Osun State Government to establish a comprehensive waste management system. This system should outline collection schedules, designated disposal points, and the responsibilities of government, private operators, and residents alike.
The network cautioned that enforcing waste disposal regulations without offering accessible alternatives could lead residents to burn refuse or dump waste in drainage systems, potentially increasing air pollution, flooding, and public health risks.
The statement also questioned the legal authority behind the reported ₦50,000 fine for alleged environmental offenders, urging the Osun Waste Management Agency to clarify the basis for this penalty.
In addition, the organization demanded an end to the mistreatment of individuals accused of environmental offenses, arguing that the recording and sharing of their videos on social media violates their dignity. It insisted that all accused individuals must be treated humanely and in accordance with the law.
As an immediate measure, the group called for the reinstatement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises for a period of two to three months while the government develops a permanent solution. They also recommended strengthening the weekly Thursday market sanitation exercise by ensuring sufficient waste collection and removal services.
According to the network, a robust waste management approach could create employment opportunities, attract investment, and generate revenue if the government collaborates with qualified private operators and invests in recycling and modern waste processing initiatives.
“Osun needs a clean environment, but this cannot be achieved through arrests alone,” the statement concluded.
The group called on the government to publish a comprehensive waste management policy and to engage civil society organizations, environmental experts, market associations, and private operators in crafting sustainable solutions.
“Effective enforcement should follow the provision of adequate services. Put the system in place first, make compliance possible, and then enforce the law fairly,” they urged.
