By IBUKUN EMIOLA

The Oyo State Government has phased out large waste bins placed along major roads and market places, as a measure to boost the image of the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, made this known on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Oyo SSS (Oyo Sọrọ Soke S’ita) whistle blower scheme in Oluyole Local Government Area.

Aderinto said that the bins, which are emptied daily at a cost running into millions of naira, had become permanent eyesore.

“It is not befitting for our image. The money spent evacuating them could fund infrastructural development, health and education,” he said.

The commissioner said that the new initiative would also reward anyone who reports indiscriminate refuse dumping with one fifth of the offender’s fine, which carries a minimum of N50,000.

“Reports are treated anonymously, but must be backed by concrete evidence; sanctions include fines, community service and imprisonment,” Aderinto said.

Also, Mr Adetunji Lam-Adesina, Chief Executive Officer, Alluvia Unique Concept and Consultant Waste Management System, Oluyole Local Government area, said that the scheme could be likened to community policing, “but in this case it is for sanitation.

“If we don’t want things to deteriorate further, we should take this seriously.

“Without a clean and tidy environment, we are joking with so many things; our health, socio-economic activities, people will not come and invest.

“We as pacesetters should lead by example. Ibadan is a major city and we should be able to live by global standards.

“It is just like community policing. People should ensure their neighbours are doing the right thing by telling the government and the reporter would be kept anonymous.

“Everyone that decides to be a whistleblower can be guaranteed of safety,” Lam-Adesina said.

He solicited for all hands to be on deck to ensure a clean and safe environment in Oyo State.

Also, Chief Adeyemi Ojo, Chairman, Community Development Committee, Oluyole LGA, and Mr Saheed Bayonle Ayedade, Agric Supervisor in the LGA, called on residents to take ownership of a cleaner environment. (NAN)

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