By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State government has debunked the rumour making the rounds to the effect that it has opened a registration centre for the registration of the operators of the banned ‘Iron Condemn’ (Scavengers) for the purpose of regularising their activities.
The State government sternly warned that the activities of Iron Condemn (scavengers) remained banned in all twenty-five local government areas of Delta State as offenders when apprehended would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other deviants.
Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor and Head of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe stated this while reacting to numerous reports of alleged persisting activities of the scavengers in some parts of the State despite the outright ban during a Radio programme on Saturday.
He said some persons determined to break the law decided to illegally produce branded uniforms/mufflers and inscribed on them “Ministry of Environment” so as to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with a view to legitimizing their illegal operations in some parts of the State.
Hear him, “His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to his vision of enhanced peace and security in the state. He has the political willpower and the good conscience to fulfill his electioneering campaigns promises to the people, support and ensure the enforcement of subsisting laws and regulations.
“Iron Condemn Scavengers remained banned in all parts of Delta State in line with subsisting laws and regulations. The State government has directed law enforcement agents and the State Taskforce on Environment to intensify compliance, arrest and prosecute deviants and offenders.
“Penalty for breaking the law regarding iron condemn activities ranges from fine to terms of imprisonment or both. Any scavenger caught operating under the guise of a registered operator by the State Ministry of Environment shall be prosecuted and jailed.
“Delta State Ministry of Environment confirmed to the State Orientation and Communications Bureau that the ban on Iron Condemn is in full force in the State.
“The State Ministry of Environment did not issue permit to any scavenger, and didn’t authorize the use of special uniforms or branded mufflers. There are no authorized or licensed or recognized iron condemn scavengers in Delta State. Their operations remain banned”, he further stated.