Published January 22
By Chinwendu Eugene.T.
The Lagos State Government has sealed Oke-Afa Market, Isolo Market, and Katangua Market in Abule Egba for violations of waste disposal regulations and for various unhygienic practices around the markets, constituting grave environmental infractions.
In a bid to curb mounting environmental health concerns, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stressed that the Government’s zero tolerance for waste initiative, which started last year, was still on course. He vowed that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would be sanctioned.
According to Wahab, “The Government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative which we have been pursuing since last year. “The only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilized waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA. Any market or facility that runs afoul of this arrangement will face sanctions.”
The commissioner assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures were implemented and compliance maintained, adding that the State Government was totally committed to ensuring cleanliness in all parts of the metropolis.
Wahab continued, “The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices. “The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health.”
Gbadegesin warned that the zero tolerance initiative would be pursued more vigorously this year, adding that markets that fail to embrace basic and decent waste disposal practices would not escape sanctions. He therefore appealed to market executives to work harder in mobilizing their members to do what is right to preserve the environment for the good of everyone.
The LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial.
“LAWMA deploys resources daily to clear waste from markets across the state. However, our efforts are often hampered by poor waste management practices within the markets themselves.
