By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Waste Management Board has announced strategies to begin impounding goods of traders who have converted pedestrian walkways into selling points and to prosecute violators dumping refuse on road medians.
Managing Director of the Board, Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, said the enforcement follows the expiration of a seven (7) days notice issued to the two categories of offenders.
According to Enehita-Inegbenehi, the practices contribute to environmental degradation, traffic obstruction, flooding, and public health risks.
Under the Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law of 2025, traders, shop owners, market women, residents, and members of the public are prohibited from conducting business on roads and walkways or dumping refuse in unauthorized areas. Those who fail to comply will face prosecution through the State’s Sanitation Mobile Court.
“Public roads, medians, and walkways are not marketplaces or dumping grounds,” Enehita-Inegbenehi said. He urged residents and business operators to use designated waste disposal facilities and engage registered waste managers for proper evacuation of refuse.
To support proper waste management, the state government has established multiple dumpsites and placed roller bins across Benin City and other parts of the state. Market waste should only be deposited in designated areas, while passersby are encouraged to use the roller bins.
In a related move, Enehita-Inegbenehi held a strategic meeting with the Environmental Sanitation Corps, ESC, to reinforce discipline, professionalism, and field presence. The board has also introduced a two-shift system for the ESC to improve coverage, monitoring of black spots, and supervision of medians across the metropolis.
“Our waste is not flowers meant for decorating our medians,” he said, reiterating that medians are not dumping sites.
The government called on residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and support efforts to maintain a cleaner, safer, and healthier Edo State.