Emmanuel OchayiThe Lagos State Government has announced the reopening of Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamatu Ologede, and Ile-Epo markets which were closed for environmental abuse.
These markets, once plagued by environmental degradation, have been given a new lease on life following full compliance with necessary conditions.
Four markets in Lagos State – Ladipo, Agbado Oke-Odo, Oyingbo, Alayabiagbahave others were shut down by the Lagos State Government over “serial infractions” on the 30th of September.
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The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab disclosed that the markets were closed for environmental offences such as reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made this known today, emphasised the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crises.
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.”
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that the reopened markets were required to adhere to a comprehensive set of mandatory conditions before resuming their operations. These conditions encompassed several key aspects, including:
“Establishing designated waste disposal points. Installing block work fences and platforms for the placement of double Dino bins, Procuring double Dino bins for efficient waste containment, Committing to sustainable market waste management to ensure ongoing cleanliness and enforce proper waste disposal regulations, employing bin keepers for efficient waste supervision, Collaborating with accredited PSP (Private Sector Participants) operators for timely waste evacuation, timely payment of waste bills, removing street traders from road medians and setbacks to prevent unauthorized vending.
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Dr. Gbadegesin underscored the critical importance of maintaining clean markets, highlighting the potential health risks associated with filthy market environments, including cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, Ebola, malaria, and more. He asserted, “We cannot stand by and allow some markets to expose the people of Lagos State to such preventable health hazards.”
Continuing, he added, “It is essential to make it abundantly clear that any future violations will result in stricter penalties, including the permanent closure of the non-compliant market.”
Tokunbo Wahab, also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, October 9, 2023, to share this pivotal decision with the public of the reopening of the markets.
Wahab, known for his relentless environmental enforcement drive, which led to the closure of several markets and the demolition of shanties across the state, made it clear that any future violations would result in the permanent closure of these markets.
In his own words, Commissioner Wahab stated, “Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede, and Ile Epo markets re-opened following full compliance with requisite conditions. Subsequent violations will attract permanent closure.”
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