YENAGOA CHAIRMAN MOVES TO SANCTION LITTERING, OPEN URINATION

The Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, has warned that residents and visitors who litter or urinate openly within the council premises will be fined between five and ten thousand naira, as part of new measures to promote cleanliness and public hygiene.

Ndiwari, who personally joined the Council staff, aides and officials in a sanitation exercise on Friday, said the decision followed a study tour to Rwanda where he was impressed by the country’s culture of orderliness and clean environments, even in rural communities.

He said Yenagoa deserved nothing less, stressing that he would lead by example rather than merely giving instructions.

He explained that a bill would soon be sent to the legislative arm of the council to domesticate environmental laws and establish bylaws to prosecute offenders. Security agencies and environmental officers, he added, will enforce compliance, with culprits facing arrest if caught dropping waste indiscriminately.

Ndiwari further announced that starting this month, the last Friday will be observed as a sanitation day within the council premises, while residents are encouraged to participate in the statewide sanitation every last Saturday. He said the initiative would help make Yenagoa cleaner and safer, comparing it with global cities that attract visitors because of their serene and orderly environment.

To encourage wider participation, the chairman revealed that the cleanest town in Yenagoa will receive a monthly cash prize of five hundred thousand naira, based on inspections carried out by environmental officers.

Some staff of the council praised the initiative, describing it as a welcome development.

Also speaking, Dr. Dickson Ebimini, Supervisor for Works, said the exercise was aimed at making the premises habitable for both workers and visitors, while Comrade Progress Clifford from the legislative arm commended the chairman for setting a new standard of leadership by taking part in the cleanup himself.

The sanitation exercise lasted from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with Ndiwari seen picking up trash, and clearing gutters alongside other participants.

By Bright Okpo