By Matthew Denis
A total of 188 people were apprehended and prosecuted for various sanitation offences in Ilorin, the state capital on Saturday.
Some of the offenders were rounded up for roaming the streets and failing to participate in the sanitation exercise while others were apprehended for opening their shops during the period.
The offenders, who were docked at various mobile courts sitting at Maraba, Tanke, Post Office, General, Ipata, Sango and other areas of Ilorin, were subsequently fined after their conviction.
It was however observed that the exercise was marred by low level of compliance due to inadequate security personnel to monitor the exercise and ensure enforcement.
Our reporter observed that some security personnel who were not on duty were roaming and challenging the sanitation personnel deployed to various units.
It was also observed that there was shortage of logistics including roro bin for refuse.
Speaking to newsmen, the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Alh. Amosa Isiaka Al-Amin, said it was clear that there was inadequate security personnel for monitoring, he however said there was an improvement in participation by the public compared to the previous exercises.
He stated that the present administration is committed to assisting residents of the state to maintain hygiene and first-rate health.
Amin stressed that the ministry will approach the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies in the state to seek for more personnel for effective sanitation compliance by the public.
