Edo clears dumpsite, sanitises market
File: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The Edo State Waste Management Board has carried out maintenance operations at the Otofure dumpsite in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, alongside a sanitation exercise at Okha Market in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of efforts to improve environmental hygiene in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement published on the state government’s official Facebook page on Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) has conducted maintenance operations at the Otofure Waste Disposal Site in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA), with a sanitation campaign at Okha Market in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, both in the State.”
During an inspection of the dumpsite, the Managing Director of the board, Enehita Inegbenehi, expressed concern over the activities of iron scavengers.
The Okha market in Edo…Photo Credit: Edo Govt
“He expressed serious concerns over the activities of iron scavengers, who were sifting through the waste and indiscriminately littering the area,” the statement added, noting that the practice highlights “the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and increased public awareness on proper waste disposal practices and maintenance of the dumpsite.”
At Okha Market, the board said the managing director engaged traders on hygiene and proper refuse disposal.
“He cautioned that improperly disposed waste attracts rodents, which can infiltrate stores after trading hours, thereby contaminating food items, and potentially spread diseases such as Lassa fever, among others,” the statement partly read.
The board also carried out clean-up operations within the market and surrounding areas.
“The Board also provided free excavation services to clear illegal refuse dumps within the Market and its environs. The Team briefly halted at Dawson Road to remove another unauthorised refuse dump,” the statement said, adding that the exercise drew commendation from traders and passersby.
Emphasising the importance of sustained sanitation, the statement noted that consistent waste management practices are critical to reducing health risks.
“He encouraged traders to commit to daily waste bagging practices,” it said.
The initiative, according to the board, aligns with the environmental agenda of Monday Okpebholo, aimed at promoting a cleaner, safer and healthier Edo State, stressing that “with collective effort, achieving a clean Edo is within reach.”
