The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani has charged residents in the State to keep their environment clean and collaborate with Edo State Government to ensure that the State is among the cleanest in the country.

Engr. Lawani gave this charge when he led a team comprising staff of the Ministry, Environmental Health Officers from Oredo Local Government Council, Security Agency and members of the Peace Corp of Nigeria and Media Practitioners to Airport Road axis of the Benin Metropolis.

According to the Hon. Commissioner, the reason for the inspection was to ascertain the level of compliance by residents who had earlier been served Abatement Notices.

Engr. Lawani noted that Government will no longer tolerate indiscriminate dumping of refuse and urged them to always properly package their waste for ease of evacuation and to also patronize the services of an accredited Waste Manager.

He appealed to the residents not to dump refuse in the gullies and drainages as the dry season approaches, adding that this act will lead to blocked drains and over flooding.

He further requested commercial vehicle drivers to provide waste bins for their vehicles noting that Government is putting measures in place to provide waste bins in Strategic locations in the Metropolis.

Commenting, General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe said that despite series of sensitization, residents still refuse to comply with the Environmental laws and he warned them to desist from this act because enforcement that has commenced will be sustained.

Mr. Imarhiagbe further urged residents to report anyone dumping waste indiscriminately to the nearest Security Agency or call the following numbers 08101670790 or 08109670791 for arrest and persecution according to the Extant Laws on Environment.

On his Part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Joel Edionwe said a Clean City attracts Tourism that will boost the State’s economy hence the need for the City to be cleaned.

Mr. Edionwe added that the Ministry is collaborating with Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development and other Security Agencies to inspect market places at odd hours to apprehend illegal waste dumpers and curb Street trading.