The Nasarawa State government says it has intensified sanitation monitoring across the state as the peak of the rainy season has begun to check flooding.

It also said that no fewer than 126 people were arrested across the state during the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise for violating sanitation law.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, said this while briefing journalists on Saturday in Lafia shortly after the sanitation exercise.

The commissioner represented by the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Ede Yakubu, described the July exercise as very effective noting that there was massive participation.

Ms Elayo attributed the success of the exercise to a new enforcement strategy involving surprise roadblocks in strategic spots.

“Today’s exercise was very effective from my observation because a lot of defaulters were dealt with by the court.

“People came out en masse and actually participated.

“We have never marked out a roadblock at the closure of the College of Agriculture before, but today we changed that and took them by surprise.

“I led our team to that place to stop those coming into and going out of town. That is what made it very effective,” she stated.

Speaking on preparations for the rainy season, Ms Elayo said the Nasarawa State Waste Management Agency and Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency would deploy personnel for daily monitoring, waste evacuation and sensitise residents against dumping refuse in drainages.

“Once the gutters are clear to allow free flow of water, you hardly see flooding.

“That is why we are moving from monthly to daily monitoring to ensure a clean environment,” Ms Elayo explained.

Also speaking, Abubakar Mohammed, chief prosecuting officer, confirmed that 126 defaulters were arrested across the state, with the majority being Keke riders.

Mr Mohammed, however, noted that compliance was high as shops were closed, noting that aside from Keke riders, other people moving during sanitation hours were also arrested.

He also said that the agency had intensified enforcement on drainage desilting in line with Section 13 of the Environmental Law, which mandates property owners to clear drainages in front of their premises.

“Last week alone we arrested 16 people for violating that order.

“When you go into town now, you will see people bringing out refuse to make the environment clean and to ensure free flow of water,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said the monthly sanitation would still be observed and noted that daily evacuation and sensitisation would run alongside it throughout the rainy season.

(NAN)