A group, EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability (ENDVOCAS), has expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in Ibadan, particularly the transformation of the multi-billion naira Ogunpa River into a garbage dump. Therefore, the group has called for the quick intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a petition titled “Urgent need to address the transformation of Ogunpa River canalization into a waste dump and encroachment on permitted setbacks,” the group highlighted the dangers such practices pose to public health. The group alleged that government officials appear reluctant to take steps to address the situation.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability CEO Michael Simire said many of his interactions with government officials revealed a lack of interest or capacity to address the issue.
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He noted that the group had no choice but to take legal action to force the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities, serve the people and protect the environment. He revealed that his lawyers have already started the legal process in this regard.
According to him, the government must urgently put an end to all illegal dumping of garbage in the Ogunpa River channel and implement measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
He further stated that the government must stop all encroachments on the canal setbacks and immediately demolish any temporary or permanent structures built on these setbacks. He added that the owners of such properties should face appropriate consequences for their actions.
“We demand that measures be implemented immediately through collaboration involving the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government and the World Bank to complete the Ogunpa River canalization project. This will ensure that the project reaches its ultimate goal and these types of incidents will be a thing of the past.
“We are concerned citizens. All we want is the best for our state and our country. Our goal is the betterment of people, and the protection of both people and the environment is non-negotiable,” he said.
Newslodge