.Lagos shuts Oke-Odo market over filth, infractions
In continuation of its pushback on filthy markets in the state, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA, yesterday, shut Oke-Odo Market, near Ile-Epo, Abule Egba, for reckless waste disposal and gross environmental abuse.
Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the move became necessary to make them comply with environmental laws and regulations, and to warn defaulting markets around the state, to do the needful or risk a closure.
According to him, the closure of Oke-odo Market underscores LAWMA’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces meet the required cleanliness standards.
“We will not compromise on the health and well-being of residents,” he stated.
Gbadegesin emphasised that the decision was a significant stride in the agency’s efforts to sanitise the state, ensuring that public spaces are conducive for business activities and safe for all residents, adding that the closure of the market served as a stark reminder that adherence to cleanliness standards was not negotiable.
“This action is part of a broader initiative by LAWMA to create awareness and enforce sanitation regulations across various markets in the state. Markets that do not meet the prescribed cleanliness standards will face similar consequences as Oke-odo Market. Market operators and stakeholders are urged to take this as a wake-up call to institute robust cleanliness practices within their premises. LAWMA remains dedicated to providing guidance and support to markets striving to comply with the sanitation regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), has arrested three suspects for obstructing and attacking operatives with dangerous weapons and stabbing its operative.
The suspects, Taiwo Abeeb, 53; Ismaila Adeniji, 35 and Akeem Kelani, 40 were arrested during the close down of Agbado Oke-Odo market over environmental infractions.
Corps Marshal of the Agency, Gbemisola Akinpelu, said the suspects will be charged to court for onward prosecution.
The retired Commissioner of Police emphasised the need for markets to maintain a high level of hygiene through appropriate dumping of refuse via approved PSP operators, adding that the setbacks and lay-bys of external market premises must not accommodate street traders and hawkers.
According to her, street trading remains banned in the state and there will be no hiding place for street traders and hawkers as part of a renewed drive to enforce environmental laws.
