By Akinwale Kasali
The Lagos State Government has ordered the reopening of Ile Epo, Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu and Ologede Markets that were recently sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse.
The markets were sealed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, weeks back, but after meeting certain criteria of the the LASG, LAWMA announced the reopening of the markets, warning occupants of stiffer penalties on future violation.
Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasised the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crises.
He stated that the reopening followed full compliance with requisite conditions, which must be duly met by occupants of these Markets.
He said, “Following extensive renovations and compliance measures including, the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening, Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market, have been reopened today for business transactions.”
He stated that the reopened markets had to comply with a set of mandatory conditions listed for them prior to resuming operations.
These conditions include providing a designated waste point; installation of block work fence and platforms for the placement of double dino bins; procurement of double dino bins for waste containerisation; commitment to putting in place sustainable market waste policing to guarantee constant cleanliness of the market environment and enforce proper waste disposal regulations; engagement of bin keepers; collaboration with accredited psp operators for timely evacuation; prompt payment of waste bills, as well as, dislodging Street traders from road medians and setbacks, preventing unauthorised vending.
“A filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others. We cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things”, he stressed.
Speaking further, he said, “We want to make it abundantly clear, that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market”.
Gbadegesin implored the executive members of markets in the state, to live up to their responsibilities, urging traders to be public-minded by being hygienic in their trading activities, as that would be usually beneficial to them, their customers and added that, local government authorities would be entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring market operations’ adherence to set conditions, urging members of the public to play a pivotal role in this process by promptly reporting any observed lapses in sanitation to LAWMA.
He reminded markets around the state that LAWMA’s zero tolerance policy for reckless waste dumping in markets was still on course, warning that defaulting markets risked a closure and hefty fine.
