The Ogun State government sealed off two companies, Build well Plants and Equipments Limited and Katchey Laboratories for building over a government canal and floodplain, causing excessive flooding and other environmental violations in their immediate communities. .
The Environment Commissioner, Mr. Ola Oresanya ordered the sealing of the companies after an on-site assessment visit to the communities of Magada, Redstar, Wemabod and Sparklight OPIC Estate where the companies committed environmental offenses in the Magboro region of the local government of Obafemi-Owode the state.
While Buildwell Plants and Equipments Limited was found guilty of building over a government canal and fencing it inside their compound, Katchey Laboratories filled a floodplain with sand and also fenced it in, causing thus excessive flooding in the four communities.
In sealing the companies, the commissioner said the state government will not bend their hands and look at the irresponsible and man-made environmental infractions by the two companies that have affected the well-being of residents of the communities. .
“It’s disgusting to see Buildwell with structures built over government canals and more annoying is his enfontry of fencing off the canal within his enclosure while Katchey filled a floodplain with sand and fenced it in regardless of the environmental impact it will have on the property and the living conditions it will have on thousands of nearby residents, particularly flooding”.
“The state government will not tolerate these offenses as a responsible government, the welfare of our people comes before the pecuniary gains of a few individuals, because any business that harms the welfare of our people will see our other side,” added Oresanya.
The commissioner further warned other companies that the state government will not tolerate any environmental violations from their side, saying the law will inflict all the wrath on them.
To provide immediate relief to the communities, he said the state government will dredge all existing canals in the communities to increase their carrying capacities while other solutions will also be offered soon after a meeting. stakeholders between the state government, seal representatives and other companies operating in the areas along with their various CDA community development associations to find lasting solutions to the problem.
In response, the Magada Community Chairperson, Mrs. Deborah Olawepo, who spoke on behalf of other communities, thanked the state government for its timely intervention as the action taken will act as a deterrent to others. , which will help reduce flooding problems in communities to a minimum now. and the near future.
Wale Oluokun
pub-5160901092443552
