Gboyega Alaka
Kosofe Local Government last week held a public hearing with stakeholders in the community over proposed bills.
The meeting, a novel one in the history of the local government, had council officials, including the chairman, Afolabi Sofola, senior members of his cabinet, councillors and members of the public all gathered at Mende Town Hall, Mende, Maryland.
Deliberations were held on the 12 proposed bills, covering environmental sanitation, radio/television licence, merriment and entertainment permit, foodstuff and regulated premises bye-law, establishment of markets regulation and prohibition of street trading, car wash amendment and regulation bye-law, shop permit bye-law, liquor license bye-law, ware-house permit amongst others.
The proposed bills contained different rules, regulations and modalities, and also stipulate various degree of fines and penalties.
Speaking, the council chairman, Afolabi Sofola, said local governments, as the third-tier of government, are empowered to make bye-laws for smooth administration of their jurisdiction. He said the proposed bills are aimed both at regulating affairs in the council as well as to generate revenue to provide infrastructure and take care of the people.
He said, “Government needs revenue to take care of people. Our people are not paying the dues. These bills will empower government to help the people.”
He added that the public hearing was to enable the council authority come up with inclusive and comprehensive bye-laws by giving the public the opportunity to make their contributions.
House leader of the council legislative arm, Olumide County, corroborated the chairman when he said the gathering was to make Kosofe a better place through effective legislation.
He urged residents to adhere to the new laws, adding that contraventions would attract stiff fines and penalties.
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