By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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Ekiti State Government has on Tuesday directed roadside traders to vacate the road in order to ensure free flow of vehicular movement.

In an exercise led by the Director General, Ekiti State Waste Management Agency, Mr Sunkanmi Onipede, the traders were also sensitized on the need to stop dumping of refuse inside drainage and waterways but should always make use of the waste bins  provided by government in the market to avoid flooding.

The event took place at the popular Oja Bisi, Okeyinmi and Mojere markets.

Speaking on the issue, Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko, said the step was very imperative to ensure that people obey environmental law and desist from any act capable of causing epidemic in the State.

Aluko noted that the present administration in the State had provided Dino bins in different locations around the market, apparently to curb the habit of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and urged those displaying goods on the road side to desist.

Speaking further on the various activities of the government aimed at ensuring clean and hygiene environment in various markets in the state, she disclosed that Governor Oyebanji has approved the procurement of additional Dino bins to be placed at strategic places to check indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the market.

She warned that anybody caught in such act would be prosecuted accordingly.

Also speaking earlier,  Onipede disclosed that about 30 people have been apprehended and prosecuted for dumping refuse in drainages and other unauthorized places.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment and Waste Management, Mr Demola Obanise said the exercise would be a continuous one until residents stop the unwholesome attitude.

In his own submission, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Tunde Alokan said making the exercise a continuous one would help to make the state clean.