In response to the heavy rains, the Nasarawa State Government has ramped up its environmental sanitation efforts to mitigate flood risks. During the July monthly sanitation exercise, authorities apprehended 126 individuals for breaching state environmental regulations.
Dr. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, stated that the exercise was a success due to increased public cooperation and a revised enforcement approach. Represented by Permanent Secretary Ede Yakubu, the commissioner noted that the introduction of surprise inspection points at key locations significantly improved compliance.
To prevent flooding, the government plans to shift from once-a-month oversight to daily monitoring. The Nasarawa State Waste Management Agency and the Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency will focus on regular waste removal and educating the public against dumping refuse into drainage systems.
Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecuting Officer, confirmed that most of those arrested were commercial tricycle drivers. He also emphasized that under Section 13 of the state environmental law, property owners are strictly required to keep gutters in front of their buildings free of debris. Authorities have already issued penalties to 16 people for failing to adhere to these desilting mandates last week.
