The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has closed a number of plazas around Tejuosho Market in Yaba due to several environmental violations, including illegal disposal of rubbish and trading operations that impede traffic flow.
The plazas are those on the left and right of the well-known Okrika market, as well as the area surrounding Mobil Filling Station.
The plazas were found to be in violation of several critical environmental regulations, including: indiscriminately dumping waste on road medians; using road setbacks for trading activities; obstructing the free flow of traffic; and operating illegal motor parks in the vicinity, as announced by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, on Thursday.
He said, “Under our policy of zero tolerance for environmental infractions, LAWMA is totally committed to maintaining high environmental standards across the state. The ongoing enforcement actions are part of our broader efforts to sanitise markets, highways and public spaces, to acceptable standards”.
Gbadegesin called on all stakeholders, including market associations, traders, and residents, to cooperate with Authority, in ensuring that markets adhere to established environmental guidelines, adding that collaborative effort was crucial in creating an alluring cityscape that adequately supports commerce and the well-being of the people.
“As LAWMA continues to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental regulations, it is required that the affected plazas will quickly effect necessary improvements to meet required standards, before they can be reopened for business activities.
“The ongoing enforcement action is part of a larger campaign by LAWMA to improve sanitation conditions in markets across the state. Markets already sealed under the current campaign of zero-tolerance for environmental infractions include Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, and Oke-Odo Markets.
“For waste management related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020,” he stated.
