Anambra Bans The Activities Of Scavengers, Warns Of Severe Punishment For Defaulters

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Government, on Friday September 13, 2024, announced a comprehensive ban on the activities of roving scavengers, popularly known as “scrap/condemned Items  dealers”.

The authorities cite the unwholesome activities of the dealers, particularly their alleged involvement in the promotion of theft of objects and materials, at public facilities.

The Source reports that of recent, many residents across the South East region of the Country have been vociferous in their condemnation of the  criminal tendencies of  most of those engaged in the business of buying and selling of  condemned/scrap materials and objects .

Not a few are of the conviction that a large percentage of burglaries at both private and public homes are masterminded by the scrap/ condemned materials dealers .

Checks have also revealed that over 80 percent of the acts of vandalism wrought on public schools and other facilities are carried out by the scrap dealers.

A statement by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu ,said the decision to prohibit the operation of the condemned items dealers in the State is a direct consequence of their nuisance of late.

The ban, the authorities insisted is also part of its responsibilities towards securing lives and properties of law abiding residents .

According to him, activities of the scavengers have become a source of huge concern to many residents who believe strongly that they are behind the spate of theft of metal materials from both private and public properties.

The statement, noted with concern that the notorious activities of the scavengers have constituted a serious threat to the economic growth and development of Anambra state.

Consequently, the Government has warned that any persons and groups seen indulging in and/or promoting the scavenging activities in the State will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Similarly, persons involved in receiving and selling stolen properties will not be spared.

The authorities said the Ministry of Environment has been tasked with demarcating the activities of genuine scrap and condemned items dealers from those of the criminal elements.

The Ministry, the statement noted, will register and certify genuine operators, so that they will continue with their legitimate business activities.

The statement further appealed to the residents of the State to report any suspected scavengers to the appropriate authorities,for prompt action .