By Abel Daniel, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo, has come down hard on residents for what she described as a disappointing and unacceptable level of non-compliance during the state’s monthly sanitation exercise.
Addressing journalists after monitoring the exercise on Saturday, Dr. Elayo decried the flagrant violation of the movement restriction order, especially by motorists, commercial motorcycle riders, and tricycle operators in major towns.
“What I saw today was simply unacceptable. There was gross disregard for the sanitation rules. People went about their business as if it was just another ordinary day,” she lamented.
She warned that such behavior would no longer be tolerated and promised that sanitation laws would be enforced more strictly going forward.
“Next time, it won’t be business as usual. We will apply the full weight of the law on anyone who disobeys the restriction of movement during sanitation hours,” she stated firmly.
The commissioner stressed that the monthly exercise is only for a few hours and is vital for keeping communities clean and safe.
“It is just two to three hours once a month. Why is it so difficult for people to stay home and clean their surroundings? This attitude must change,” she said.
To boost compliance, Dr. Elayo revealed that large trash bins would soon be placed at strategic locations across towns and major dumping points to support residents with proper waste disposal.
On the issue of flood preparedness, the commissioner assured that the State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) is fully on standby. She confirmed that logistics have been put in place to evacuate residents in flood-prone areas to safer zones if necessary.
She called on those living in vulnerable areas to cooperate with the government, stressing the importance of early response and relocation to avoid avoidable loss of lives and property.
“We are prepared, but we need communities in flood-prone areas to work with us. Once the alert is raised, we expect immediate compliance to avoid disaster,” she added.