Flooding: Akwa Ibom Introduces Stricter Sanctions Against Indiscriminate Waste Disposal, Other Offenses

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UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced stricter enforcement measures against indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental sanitation offences, warning residents that activities capable of blocking drains, gutters and waterways will attract prosecution.

The government’s latest directive comes amid growing concerns over flooding in parts of the state, as the state has continued to blame the worsening impact of heavy rainfall on accumulation of refuse and the obstruction of water channels.

In a public notice issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, the state government reminded residents that maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment was a shared civic responsibility.

The notice, issued pursuant to the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law, Cap. 51, Vol. 3, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Public Health Law, Cap. 119, Vol. 5, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, warned that breaches of environmental regulations constituted offences punishable under the law.

Specifically, the government listed the dumping of refuse outside approved containers or designated disposal points as an offence, alongside throwing materials capable of blocking drains, gutters and waterways.

It also outlawed any act that obstructs the free flow of water on streets or highways, maintaining that indiscriminate waste disposal aggravates flooding and creates serious risks to lives and property.

Landlords, caretakers and occupiers of premises were equally directed to provide standard refuse bins and ensure that their surroundings were kept clean, while the discharge of human or animal waste in unauthorised places was prohibited.

The government further declared the accumulation of refuse, decaying food, animal or vegetable matter, as well as the discharge of wastewater or other noxious substances onto roads, gutters and drains, environmental sanitation offences.

It also warned residents against littering public places and allowing weeds or unkempt surroundings to persist within their premises, stressing that any act or omission capable of endangering public health, life or property would attract enforcement action.

According to the notice, offenders may face sanctions including fines, community service, abatement of nuisance and other penalties prescribed by law, while persons arrested for environmental sanitation offences would be prosecuted before a court of competent jurisdiction.