The Lagos State Government has reopened Ladipo Market, Mushin, after meeting the most essential criteria, set for reopening sealed markets.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, business activities would commence at the popular spare parts market, after its recent closure for various environmental infractions.
He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prioritised the issue of clean environment, public health, and safety, in line with the THEMES Plus agenda, which informed the recent drive, to enforce strict compliance with waste management best practice, across markets in the state.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, particularly within markets and around business facilities
He stressed that the goal was to ensure all markets in Lagos State, followed laid down environmental rules, resulting in a safer and healthier business environment for buyers and sellers.
Gbadegesin urged the traders to support the efforts of the State Government, by adhering strictly to the environmental laws, as markets that ran foul risked indefinite closure
With environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as precondition for reopening shut markets, Lagos State Government has also ordered reopening of Mile 12 International Market.
The State Government, in announcing the reopening, said the market has met the most critical conditions that bordered on the environment and public health, while expediting action on other necessary areas, in line with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources observation.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within market, involving collaborative effort between LAWMA and the market stakeholders.
He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health and safety, were not negotiable, as government would not watch helplessly as those values were compromised and eroded by the conduct of few people.
“We cannot continue to be nonchalant about our environment. Our negative attitude towards the environment must stop. The way we treat the environment, is the way the environment treats us. We cannot fold our arms and allow the nonchalance of a few, affect the generality of the people.
Despite several advocacy and public Enlightenment, government is left with no choice than to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets”, he said.
He implored the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways.
Speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, especially around market facilities in the state.
He said, “The temporary closure of Mile 12 Market was essential to address observed environmental issues. Our aim is to ensure that all markets in Lagos, including Mile 12, operate in line with environmental regulations, creating a safer and healthier trading environment for everyone involved.
We worked closely with Mile 12 Market traders and associations to implement corrective actions, including placement of dino bins, proper waste collection, disposal, employment of waste policing, bin keepers and payment for waste services, among others.”
The LAWMA boss charged traders at the market to show total commitment to the environmental laws of the state, to pave way for a cleaner and healthier environment for both the traders and their customers.
Recall that the market was sealed along with Owode Onirin Market last week for sundry environmental infractions. For waste management related issues in your area, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617.