The Lagos State Government has sealed off two major markets in the state, the Oke-Afa market in Isolo and Katangua market in Abule Egba for failing to comply with waste management regulations and engaging in unhygienic practices.
The affected markets were closed down by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) following a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri.
According to the statement, the closure was necessary to curb the rising environmental health risks posed by the poor waste disposal habits of the traders and customers in the markets.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the government was determined to enforce its zero tolerance for waste initiative, which was launched last year to promote cleanliness and sanitation in the state.
He warned that any market or facility that violated the waste disposal guidelines set by LAWMA would face sanctions, adding that the markets would remain shut until they implemented and maintained strict hygiene and waste disposal measures.
He also said the government was committed to ensuring the health and well-being of the residents and would not allow anyone to endanger public health through irresponsible environmental practices.
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The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged the market executives to mobilise their members to abide by the waste management regulations, which include using the double dino bins provided for the markets, avoiding waste disposal on road medians, deploying waste policing to prevent outsiders from littering the markets, and paying their waste bills promptly.
He said the rules were simple and familiar to the traders and warned that the zero-tolerance initiative would be intensified this year and that non-compliant markets would not escape sanctions.
He also appealed to the market operators and traders to cooperate with the agency and do what was right to preserve the environment for the good of everyone.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment and said the agency deployed resources daily to clear waste from markets across the state, but its efforts were often hampered by poor waste management practices.