The Nasarawa State government has announced plans to revitalise two waste recycling plants located in Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The secretary of the State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Christopher Abari, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the November sanitation exercise in Lafia.

Mr Abari said the plants, situated in Angwan Rere, Lafia, and Auta Balefi in Karu, had been underutilised, but the government was set to restore them to full operation.

He explained that activities at the facilities had been low, but efforts were underway to rejuvenate them and resume active recycling operations.

According to him, the revitalisation forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve waste management, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier environment.

He added that the plants would be equipped with modern machinery to ensure efficient waste processing.

Mr Abari also said the agency had distributed different sizes of waste bins at strategic locations across the 13 LGAs to support proper refuse disposal.

“Our staff members have continued regular evacuation of waste at dumping sites.

“We urge residents to always bring out their waste at designated collection points to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.

He appealed to the public to keep their surroundings clean to guard against the spread of diseases, noting that a clean environment promotes healthy living.

Mr Abari expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance recorded during the November sanitation exercise and appreciated the support of security agencies, traditional rulers, and the media.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Prosecutor Officer of the ministry, said 96 persons were apprehended for violating environmental sanitation laws across the 13 LGAs.

He said the offenders were arrested for engaging in private business activities during the exercise, in violation of Section 9(2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.

According to him, the defaulters were prosecuted by mobile courts in their respective LGAs to serve as a deterrent to others.

(NAN)