Speaking on the broadcast programme “Ojumore”, on Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) on Wednesday, Hon. Tella stated that while scavengers also called “Sharin Sharin” play a role in collecting reusable items like aluminium, scrap electronics, and old household materials from waste, their operations have increasingly posed security and environmental concerns to residents and government alike.
According to him, the once beneficial activity has now taken a dangerous turn as some scavengers engage in theft and vandalism.
“Their behaviour has changed to the extent that they no longer pick only what people don’t use, they now break into houses, steal electrical wires and even cut away iron parts of government properties,” he said.
Hon. Tella cited several instances across the state, including Lafenwa, Akin Olugbade Bridge, Oke Mosan, and Panseke, where iron materials from bridges and public structures have been stolen by scavengers for resale.
The lawmaker explained that the proposed law, which will be supervised by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), seeks to regulate scavenging and waste dealing operations.
“Under the bill, scavengers and waste dealers will be required to register with OGWAMA, obtain identification cards, and wear designated uniforms while on duty”.
He noted that scavengers will be restricted to operate only between 8a.m. and 4 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, while operations will be prohibited on Sundays.
The lawmaker added that communities will also have the power to decide whether or not scavengers can operate within their areas and will be required to designate specific collection points where waste or reusable materials can be sold.
Hon. Tella further stated that the bill provides penalties to deter offenders. “Any scavenger caught violating the law will pay a fine of ₦50,000, while waste dealers who receive stolen items will pay ₦500,000 for the first offence,” he said.
To ensure compliance Hon. Tella said community task force should be established in each community adding that residents are encouraged to alert the task force if they observe scavengers stealing or vandalizing property.
“This is a bill that people love because it affects both the community and the government. Once it is assented to, the problem of scavengers will greatly reduce,” Tella assured.
He also advised residents to be vigilant and to report any issues concerning scavengers to the appropriate authorities rather than ignoring them.
“We should all be watchful of our properties and take collective responsibility for protecting our environment,” he said.
Its the citizens that have unusable iron materials that should take them to the scrap metal dealer at their business point and not the other way round.
ReplyDeleteOur legislatiors should sponsor reasonable bills.Let the dealers advertise and let citizens go to sell to them at there point