Edo Govt Gives One-week Ultimatum To Clear Benin Of Waste

By Idahosa Musa

Edo State Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to accredited waste managers to clear refuse from the streets of Benin and neighboring local government areas.

The directive was handed down on Thursday by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Edo State Environmental Taskforce, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa warned that any operator who fails to comply would face sanctions, including withdrawal of accreditation.

He said the move was in line with the Clean Edo initiative under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

According to him, waste managers, especially in Edo South, must immediately meet their obligations or risk losing their operating licenses at both state and local government levels.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barrister Nosa Adams, said indiscriminate disposal of solid and liquid waste would no longer be tolerated, adding that industries must comply with approved waste disposal standards to protect public health.

Chairman of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, said the directive reflected the government’s renewed commitment to environmental sanitation.

Also speaking, Oredo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, warned residents against dumping refuse in drainages and urged households to patronize accredited waste managers.

Representatives of waste managers identified non-payment by households and poor registration as major challenges.