The Kwara State Commissioner of Environment and Forestry, Otunba Taiwo Joseph, has warned the people of the state against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways.

The commissioner gave the warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.

He said that officials of the ministry would carry out regular checks and monitor the drainage, adding that anybody caught would be penalised.

Joseph stressed that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways was one of the major causes of flooding in Ilorin.

He expressed the resolve of the state government to embark on enlightenment campaign on the inherent dangers of blocking the natural flow waterways and drains.

"As the raining season is gradually creeping in, we must all brace up and guide against flooding, which often times leads to loss of lives and property.

"I am using this opportunity to advise Kwarans to desist from dumping refuse in drains and waterways, the danger of doing so is numerous.

"We have lost lives and property worth millions of Naira to flooding in the past," he said. He, however, called on the public to keep Kwara clean and dump their refuse inside refuse bins and trucks in designated places in Ilorin.

The commissioner promised to use his office to construct and control damage drains by building culverts to ensure free flow of water in the state.