By Milcah Tanimu
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the reopening of Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede, and Ile-Epo markets, which were recently closed due to issues related to filth and environmental abuse.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, made this announcement in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance with sanitation measures to protect public health.
Gbadegesin mentioned that the decision to reopen the markets came after they fully complied with the necessary conditions and stringent compliance measures, which included a written mandatory undertaking for reopening.
He stated, “Following extensive renovations and compliance measures including the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening, Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market have been reopened today for business transactions.”
The LAWMA CEO highlighted the mandatory conditions that the reopened markets had to meet before resuming operations, including providing designated waste points, installing blockwork fences and platforms for double dino bins, and procuring double dino bins for waste containerization.
Other conditions included committing to sustainable market waste policing for continuous cleanliness, enforcing proper waste disposal regulations, engaging bin keepers, collaborating with accredited PSP operators for timely waste evacuation, promptly paying waste bills, and preventing unauthorized vending while dislodging street traders from road medians and setbacks.
Gbadegesin emphasized that filthy markets posed serious health risks, including the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, Ebola, and malaria. He stated that the state was committed to preventing such conditions and ensuring market compliance with sanitation regulations.
He warned that future violations would result in harsher penalties, including the permanent closure of offending markets. He urged market executive members to fulfill their responsibilities and traders to maintain hygiene in their activities, benefiting both themselves and their customers.
Local government authorities would be responsible for monitoring market operations’ adherence to the set conditions. The public was encouraged to report sanitation lapses promptly to LAWMA.
Gbadegesin reminded markets that LAWMA’s zero tolerance policy for reckless waste dumping was still in effect, and defaulting markets risked closure and heavy fines.
For waste management issues in your area, you can call LAWMA’s toll-free number: 07080601020 and 617.
LAWMA had previously ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin on September 30 due to multiple environmental violations, including improper waste disposal, unhygienic conditions, non-payment of waste bills, and more.