Over 65 Abuja residents convicted for failing to pay waste bill
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has secured the conviction of over 65 Abuja residents who failed to pay for the waste evacuated for them. A mobile court sitting at the Old Parade Ground in Area 10 convicted the defaulters after they pleaded guilty to the charge which the prosecutor said contradicted Section 30 (4) […]
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has secured the conviction of over 65 Abuja residents who failed to pay for the waste evacuated for them.
A mobile court sitting at the Old Parade Ground in Area 10 convicted the defaulters after they pleaded guilty to the charge which the prosecutor said contradicted Section 30 (4) of the board’s act.
Several residents were also convicted by other mobile courts sitting in Wuse and other areas.
Addressing journalists after the matter on Monday, the prosecutor, an Assistant Director state counsel at the board, Odemeh Omana, said the court on environmental matters sat to try those that failed to pay for services rendered to them.
He said, “For some years now some individuals are refusing to pay for the services rendered to them, even though the services are still running.
“The law makes it an offence whereby the government discharges its obligation of disposing waste, but the citizens failed to pay the fee required and that is why we brought them to court.
“They were served with summons to appear before it. They were found guilty and convicted of having contravened the provisions of the AEPB Act. The court asked them to pay the fees before the 19th day of September, which is Monday, if not their premises will be sealed. They were asked to pay a fine of N5,000 each in addition.”
The Director, AEPB, Engr Osilama Braimah, told journalists that N6bn had so far been recovered from some debtors.
He said the court trial for those who defaulted in paying waste charges, those who failed to procure appropriate sanitary bins and those who defaulted in fulfilling AEPB’s Act would help fast-track the revenue recovery drive of the board.