The Lagos State Government has ordered the reopening of the Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede, and Ile-Epo markets, which were recently closed due to filth and poor environmental degradation.
Recall that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) closed the impacted markets about a week ago after receiving consent from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, with requirements to be completed before reopening.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, who issued the order in the early hours of Monday, emphasised the importance of severe compliance procedures in maintaining public health and protecting citizens from future health problems.
Gbadegesin stated that the reopening was the result of complete compliance with the necessary conditions.
According to his statement, “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.”
Gbadegesin stated that the reopened markets had to meet a series of statutory standards before restarting operations.
These conditions include: providing a designated waste point; installing blockwork fences and platforms for the placement of double dino bins; purchasing double dino bins for waste containerisation; committing to implementing sustainable market waste policing to ensure constant cleanliness of the market environment and the enforcement of proper waste disposal regulations; and engaging bin keepers.
Collaboration with accredited Private Sector Participant, PSP, operators for timely evacuation; quick payment of garbage bills; and dislodging street merchants from road medians and setbacks, as well as prohibiting unlawful vending are among the others.
“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.
He went on to say, “We want to make it abundantly clear that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market.”
Gbadegesin, as a result, charged the executive members of the state’s markets with carrying out their responsibilities, pushing traders to be public-minded by being hygienic in their trading activities, as this would typically benefit them and their consumers.
He went on to say that local government officials would be tasked with monitoring market operations’ adherence to defined requirements, and he urged the people to play an important role in this process by swiftly reporting any apparent failures in sanitation to LAWMA.
Gbadegesin informed markets across the state that LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy for reckless garbage dumping in markets remained in effect, and warned that defaulting markets risked closure and a high fine.
“For waste management-related issues in your area, call the LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617,” he said.
