In response to severe violations of waste disposal regulations and unhygienic practices, the Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by sealing Oke-Afa Market in Isolo and Katangua Market in Abule Egba.
These closures come in the wake of grave environmental infractions around the markets, aiming to address mounting concerns related to environmental health.
Folashade Kadiri, the Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), disclosed this development in a statement on Monday. She emphasized that the closure of the markets is a proactive measure to curb the escalating environmental health concerns.
Commenting on the situation, Folashade relayed statements from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab. He affirmed the government’s continuous commitment to the zero-tolerance policy for waste, initiated last year. Mr. Wahab stressed that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would face sanctions.
“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 foul of this arrangement will face sanctions,” Mr. Wahab stated.
Wahab assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures were implemented and compliance maintained. He added that the state government was fully committed to ensuring cleanliness across all parts of the metropolis.
“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,” Wahab emphasized.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, urged market executives to mobilize their members to adhere to waste management regulations. He emphasized the importance of using the provided double dino bins in markets and maintaining hygienic habits in their activities.
Gbadegesin warned that the zero-tolerance initiative would be pursued more vigorously this year. He stated that markets refusing to embrace basic and decent waste disposal practices would face sanctions. Gbadegesin appealed to market executives to work harder in mobilizing their members for the benefit of everyone and the preservation of the environment.
The LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment. He stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial in achieving this goal.
“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. We urge traders and market authorities to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and work with LAWMA to maintain clean and healthy environments,” Gbadegesin concluded.