Ondo Assembly moves to regulate scavengers, citing rising criminal activities

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly has called for the registration and proper identification of scavengers in the state, citing concerns over rising criminal activities linked to their operations.

Lawmakers, during a plenary session led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, stressed the need for stringent regulations, including the issuance of uniforms and ID cards to scavengers.

This move aims to curb theft, assaults, and other security threats while ensuring that scavenging remains a structured and lawful economic activity.

The Lawmakers observed that the activities of scavengers have taken a new turn to the disadvantage of the people of Ondo State, including involvement in criminal acts such as rape, theft, and threats to peaceful inter-ethnic relationships.

The house said that the operators of this enterprise violate people’s properties and assault law-abiding citizens in the process.

To address the issue of scavengers’ criminal activities,the house in it resolution said a multifaceted approach is necessary and the State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, should enforce laws regulating scavenging activities, covering environmental protection, public health, and safety.

The Lawmakers resolved that local government Chairmen should also take decisive steps by ensuring that all scavengers are registered and provided with identity cards saying that this can be achieved through field surveys, oral interviews, and other data collection techniques.

Additionally, it resolved that collecting data on individuals supplying materials to scavengers is crucial for tracking and regulating their activities, while landlords should also be proactive and ensure that scavengers are not allowed to operate within their communities.

The house in its resolution said law enforcement agencies should be alerted to arrest any unregistered scavengers to help curb criminal activities and ensure that scavengers operate within the law.

It added that collaboration and coordination between the State Government through the Ministry of Environment, local government authorities, and law enforcement agencies are essential for the effective implementation of laws and regulations.

The house believed that by taking these steps, it would to regulate scavenging activities, reduce criminal behaviour, and promote a safer and healthier environment for all.

During debate, the house posited that waste scavenging generally involves the consumption, reuse, and recycling of materials to provide environmental benefits and has both economic and environmental significance, as it is involved in the recovery and salvaging of materials.

It noted that it also serves as a source of employment and income for unemployed individuals and industries and reduces the demand for expensive raw materials, lowers disposal costs, and decreases the need for collection and transport facilities.

The Lawmakers averred that scavenging is a common occurrence in third-world countries due to high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and the lack of a safety net for the poor.

It said studies revealed that 70% of scavengers are male, while 30% are female and also showed that around 30% of scavengers are under 15 years old, 20% are between 16 and 25 years old, and 35% are within the age range of 26 to 35 years and majority of scavengers terrorising residents in Ondo State are mainly youths.

The house added that apart from the fact that waste pickers are exposed to hazardous waste materials in landfills, which may serve as transmission points for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tetanus.