The Ekiti State Government has sealed up a privately operated public toilet and a private sewage company in the State for violating the State Environmental Health and Sanitation laws.

A statement from the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said Environmental Health Officers from the Ministry during a daily routine sanitary inspection caught a privately operated public toilet in the Atikankan area of the State Capital discharging faecal waste into a public drainage, thus posing a serious health to the people of the area.

The public toilet, allegedly operated by one Mr. Mallam Wudili was immediately sealed off by the Ministry to prevent further environmental pollution and possible outbreak of epidemic in the area.

In a related development, the owner of a sewage disposal company identified as Mr. Packer was apprehended by a team of Environmental Health Officers from the Ministry to have illegally discharged faecal waste at a location Opposite Ajayi Polytechnic, Ado/Ikere Road, an act capable of causing grave public health hazard.

In her reaction, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, condemned the incidents, stressing that the government would not tolerate any actions that endanger public health and environmental safety.

“These reckless acts of environmental pollution will not go unpunished. The government is committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all residents,” she stated.

She warned individuals and business owners to comply with Environmental Health and Sanitation Law of Ekiti State, emphasizing that offenders would face strict penalties in accordance with the state’s Environmental Health and Sanitation Law.

The Ministry assured the public of continued monitoring and enforcement to prevent future occurrences, urging residents to report any environmental violations to the appropriate authorities.