Scavenging should be Restricted to Dumpsites Alone — Oyo Assembly declares*

In a bid to ensure a crime free and safety environment for members of the public in the Pacesetter State, the Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to restrict the activities of scavengers to Government approved dumpsites alone and put in place a regulatory guidelines for all involved in such activities.

This was part of the House resolutions following a report presented by the Chairman House Committee on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman on the Need to regulate activities of metal scavenger, popularly known as Bola, to prevent infrastructure vandalism and enhance security in oyo state.

Presenting the report, Hon. Olorunpoto explained that as part of the committee’s findings during investigation , the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has handed over the oversight and the management of dumpsites to consultants who have authorization over the dumpsites.

He hinted further that :
“Metal Scavengers operating at the dumpsites are being subjected to regulations and guidelines set forth by dumpsites consultants ”

The House further reiterated the need to put in place measures or regulatory guidelines on scavenging by the government in order to discourage criminal elements who use the activity to perpetrate crimes and curb the rising trend of criminal elements who hide under the guise of scavenging to perpetrate crimes.

The House also called on the Oyo State Security Network Agency and other Law Enforcement Agencies to conduct regular surveillance and enforce the restrictions on scavengers activities to designated dumpsites across the State.