By, Godwin Moses
Jos, Plateau State – The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the management of Bukuru Market, particularly the Hamaz section, to produce individuals who assaulted and attacked PEPSA staff during a routine market sanitation supervision exercise yesterday.
PEPSA’s Director General, Hon. Samuel Dapiya, expressed disappointment and frustration during an urgent stakeholders meeting with market leaders. He emphasized the agency’s good working relationship with market stakeholders but lamented the lack of action against miscreants who attack staff carrying out their lawful duties.
Dapiya warned that failure to produce the individuals involved would result in the market being sealed, citing the agency’s statutory powers.
The Chairman of the Jos South Local Government Market Association, Saidu Gambo, responded by stating that the individuals involved are not members of the association and requested additional time to engage with their members to identify the culprits.
This ultimatum is part of PEPSA’s ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment in Plateau State. The agency recently commenced its yearly activities with a massive refuse evacuation exercise in Jos South Local Government, accompanied by awareness education and calls for proper waste sorting and packaging.
In a related matter, Kugiya market’s leadership has been ordered to collaborate with the Department of Waste Management to evacuate heaps of garbage dumped opposite the market. PEPSA remains committed to upholding the “polluter pays” principle and ensuring individuals and organizations take responsibility for their waste.
The agency reiterates its commitment to safeguarding public health and urges citizens to join hands in keeping Plateau State clean. “We urge the management of Bukuru Market to take immediate action to identify and produce the individuals involved in the attack on PEPSA staff”.
