Lagos government reopens Ladipo and other closed markets

The Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede, and Ile-Epo markets, which were recently closed due to squalor and flagrant environmental violations, have been reopened, according to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, who made the announcement of the reopening in Lagos, emphasised the significance of strict compliance procedures in preserving public health and protecting locals from upcoming health concerns.

According to Gbadegesin, the reopening of the markets came after strict adherence to the necessary requirements.

“Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market have been reopened today for business transactions,” Gbadegesin said. “Following extensive renovations and compliance measures including, the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening.

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The LAWMA CEO highlighted that in order to resume operations, the reopened markets had to adhere to a list of essential requirements.

These requirements include having a designated waste point, installing a block work fence and platforms for double dino bin placement, buying double dino bins for waste containerization, and pledging to implement sustainable market waste policing to ensure that the market environment is always clean.

Enforce correct trash disposal laws, employ bin keepers, and work with certified PSP operators to ensure prompt evacuation.

In addition to removing street vendors from setbacks and road medians and restricting unauthorised vending, Gbadegesin called for prompt payment of garbage fees.

He claimed that dirty markets are havens for deadly illnesses including cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria, and others.

He emphasised that the state cannot simply watch while certain markets expose Lagos State residents to situations like these that may be easily avoided if they follow the appropriate procedures.

We want to be very clear that any additional offences will result in harsher penalties, such as the permanent closure of the offending market, Gbadegesin said.

He pleaded with the state’s market executives to uphold their duties, advising traders to be hygienic in their trading activities because doing so would typically be advantageous to them and their clients.

He further stated that it will be up to local government agencies to ensure that the rules governing market operations are followed.

He asked the general public to take an active part in this process by promptly notifying LAWMA of any noticed sanitary violations.

He warned that failing markets carried the prospect of closure and a substantial punishment by reminding them that LAWMA’s zero tolerance policy for careless rubbish dumping in markets was still in effect.

Call the LAWMA toll-free numbers at (708) 260-1020 or (617) if you have any questions about trash management in your area.

According to NAN, LAWMA ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin on September 30 due to a number of environmental violations, including careless garbage disposal, unsanitary conditions, and unpaid trash bills, among others.