The markets in Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede, and Ile-Epo, which had lately been closed due to squalor and flagrant environmental violations, have been reopened, according to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, who made the announcement of the reopening in Lagos, emphasized the significance of strict compliance controls in preserving public health.
According to Gbadegesin, the markets were reopened after all necessary requirements had been met.
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the re-opening of Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets, recently sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who announced the re-opening in Lagos, noted the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health.
Gbadegesin said the re-opening of the markets followed full compliance with requisite conditions.
“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 said.
The LAWMA CEO emphasized that in order to resume operations, the reopened markets had to adhere to a list of essential requirements.
“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
“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 and preventing unauthorised vending,” he said.
He claimed that dirty markets are havens for deadly illnesses including cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria, and others.
He emphasized that the state cannot watch as certain markets subject its citizens to these conditions, which are obviously avoidable if the necessary steps are taken.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market,” he said.
He pleaded with the state’s market executives to uphold their duties, advising traders to be hygienic in their trading activities because doing so would typically benefit them and their clients.
He noted that it will be up to local government agencies to ensure that market operators are following the rules.
He asked the general public to participate actively in this process by promptly notifying LAWMA of any noticed sanitary violations.
He cautioned markets around the state that LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy for careless garbage dumping in markets was still in effect and threatened markets that did not comply with the regulation with closure and significant punishment.
Call the LAWMA toll-free numbers at (708) 260-1020 or (617) if you have any questions about trash management in your area.
According to NAN, LAWMA ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin on September 30 due to a number of environmental offenses, including careless garbage disposal, unsanitary conditions, and unpaid trash bills, among others. (NAN)