http://m.allafrica.com/stories/201212010399.html/

1 December 2012

The Oyo State Government has set up environment courts in all the local government areas to prosecute those who contravene environmental laws.

The Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Mr Lowo Obisesan, told newsmen in Ibadan on Friday that street hawking and blocking of roads would now also attract stiff penalties.
"We have set up environment courts to convict all those who contravene environmental laws, rules and regulations.

"It has become pertinent to warn that anybody, either under-age or of age, found hawking in public streets shall pay a fine of N5,000.
"Also, it is now an offence for trucks, heavy or light vehicles, to off load their consignments at public roads between hours of 7.00am and 6.00pm daily. Violators would pay a fine of N250, 000.

"We will not tolerate anybody or group of persons holding parties on public streets. Offenders shall be convicted to one month imprisonment or pay N100,000 fine," Obisesan said.

The commissioner, who recently assumed duty after a cabinet reshuffle, said the ministry had been mandated to implement policies to beautify the state.
He, however, assured traders recently displaced due to the demolition of illegal shanties and shops across Ibadan metropolis not to despair.

The commissioner said the government had put in place palliative measures to alleviate their suffering.
"In a matter of months, every trader will be relocated to a better and modern market which I can assure you will be affordable.
"Merchandise traders, who were displaced at Molete and Mobil areas, have been temporarily relocated.
"Also cattle dealers at Iwo road have been moved to a new site at Moniya based on community health grounds," he said.

Obisesan urged shop owners to make provisions for refuse bins to ease the collection of refuse.

Ibadan is taking a new look