The Anambra State Government on Friday, announced the immediate prohibition of the activities of condemned iron scavengers, commonly referred to as “Iron Kwandem”.
The ban follows the scavengers’ notorious activities, which have become a significant nuisance to society, involving the theft of metal objects from public utilities, private properties, and the vandalism of critical infrastructure.
Neighbouring state, Delta had earlier this year, announced the ban on the scavengers activities, which led to massive influx of the scavengers, who are predominantly people from the Northern part of the country, into the state.
Announcing the ban in a statement in Awka, Anambra State Capital, the State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, said the scavengers’ actions have had a detrimental impact on the state’s economy and the country as a whole.
According to him, the scavengers add nothing to the state economy, instead, they cause damage to public infrastructure, which they destroy and sell.
He further announced that the state government has warned that individuals caught engaging in business with these scavengers will be arrested and prosecuted for receiving stolen property.
“The OCHA and SASA brigades have been tasked with enforcing the ban and apprehending any condemned iron scavengers found operating within the state.
“Citizens are urged to report any activities of the scavengers to the authorities for prompt action,” he said.
Nwosu further noted that the ban is also envisioned as a significant step towards maintaining law and order in the state and protecting public and private properties from theft and vandalism.
He revealed that to distinguish between illegal condemned iron scavengers and legitimate scrap metal dealers, the Ministry of Environment will register and certify the latter, allowing them to continue their business without hindrances.
“Anambra people should see it as a patriotic duty to report the activities of the Condemned Iron scavengers to SASA or OCHA Brigade for immediate arrest and prosecution.
“The government has of course delineated the difference between the illegal Condemned Iron scavengers and the traders doing legitimate scrap metal business.
“Government intends to henceforth duly register the scrap metal dealers so that they can continue their contribution to the economy of the state without hindrances.
“The properly constituted scrap metal dealers are advised to go to the Ministry of Environment for re-certification,” the Information Commissioner noted.
