Residents of Ilorin in Kwara State on Thursday expressed worry over the non-availability of waste bin facilities in the metropolis.

Findings by our correspondent showed that about 19 companies were contracted by the state government to provide these facilities and clear refuse in the metropolis.

The contractors were authorised to charge their clients between N750 and N1,000 a month depending on the status of the client - whether individuals or industrial/commercial.

But many of the residents, who spoke to our correspondent on Thursday, said they had not seen the contractors who were said to have started the operation since July.

They also lamented that some of the refuse bins, popularly called 'roro' bins, initially kept near their homes had been taken away.

Consequently, they alleged that they were being forced to carry their refuse to a central place where government street sweepers and other environmental safety agencies collect and dispose of them.

They added that though the state government had managed to continue to keep the metropolis clean, the situation, if left unchecked, could compound the health concerns of the populace.

Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha said, "Though government is still managing to keep the streets clean, there is the need to address this matter to prevent health hazards such as epidemic outbreak and reduce the status of the street as very clean capital."

Alhaja Ramatu Abubakar said, "I just heard that government has allowed some companies to be charging people for refuse collection but I have not seen them in my area."

The governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, had said some of the bins were sent to the hinterlands in anticipation that new bins would replace them.

He, however, said the state had addressed the matter, adding that government would also maintain Ilorin as "a very clean capital" in the country.

Also the Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Mr. Anthony Towoju, said he was worried at the attitude of the contractors.