As part of efforts to ensure the state is clean and green, the Edo State Government has flagged off the Mega Clean-Up campaign at Oregbeni Market, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Arc. Joshua Omokhodion said it was imperative to carry out the exercise in all the local government areas in the state as it is the aim of the Obaseki-led administration to bequeath an environment that is clean, safe and healthy for its citizens.
Arc. Omokhodion noted that the local government which connects the state to the northern part of the country needs to have a beautiful ambience that can attract tourists, urging residents to join hands with the government by adhering to healthy environmental practices for a healthy living.
On his part, the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Charles Imarhiagbe, who was impressed with the level of compliance by some traders, promised improvement on areas with loopholes if residents and shop owners continue to participate in the clean- up exercise.
Meanwhile, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Henry Edenamigho who appreciated the commissioner for the initiative, promised continued compliance with sanitation rules under the strict supervision of the council, so as to ensure Edo State is clean and can pride itself as the cradle of civilization like it used to be.
Also speaking, the HOLGA Oredo Local Government Area, Kensington Osifo announced that there would be a mobile court where defaulters will be fined as a deterrent to others who do not want to comply with sanitation directives after a series of warnings.
Head of Environmental Health Department, Ikpoba- Okha, Caroline Owegie described the exercise as a welcome development adding that the health officers in the local government will continue to enlighten the traders and residents on ways they can keep their environment healthy.
Earlier, it was observed that the exercise experienced low compliance at Lagos Street, as shops in the axis remained locked. The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability ordered their closure until the end of the exercise.
