By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Abuja Environmental Protection Board has increased the mobile courts for trial of waste service defaulters from 8 to 13.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Engr Osilama Braimah through the Deputy Director Information of the board, Janet Peni in Abuja.
According to the statement, the increase in number of courts followed approval of the Permanent secretary (FCTA), Adesola Olusade, to help in fast tracking the cases at all times.
It explained that the additional courts was a plan for another round of mass trials of defaulters of waste service charges and all forms of environmental violations.
The Director said: “the increase in the number of mobile Courts from 8 to 13, was done following the approval of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, to enable us to deal with more cases at every given time.
“Apart from revenue drive, we are using the mobile courts to deal with all forms of environmental violations. Residences and individuals without waste bins or the required waste bin type or size are charged to court. We cannot keep the city clean without appropriate containerization of wastes. Other environmental violations that we charge people to court for, include not having the required toilet, damaged toilets, and connecting storm water to the street.
“There have been numerous complaints from residents who can no longer sleep in their houses because of noise emanating from parks, gardens and night clubs. Night clubs have been told to sound proof their buildings, as those who violate the acceptable decibels required in the city will be charged to court”
On the recourse to the courts to recover revenue from defaulters in the ongoing court sittings in FCT, Braimah said, “using the courts to recover our revenue for services rendered is the alternative available to us, considering that it is a difficult way to go.
“Court processes are difficult, however, since some people prefer to default in the payment of their utility bills, they are compelled to do so by the court. We may have no other choice than to sustain the process until people begin to pay their bills as at when due. Using the courts to recover our revenue is enshrined in our operational guidelines.”
