Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the reopening of the Ladipo, Oyingbo> Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets that was sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Gbadegesin Muyiwa made this known and emphasized the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crisis.

He said the reopened markets had to comply with a set of mandatory conditions listed for them prior to resuming operations. They include providing a designated waste point, installation of block work fence and platforms for the placement of double Dno bins and proper enforcement of waste disposal regulations among others.

He said a filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, Typhoid, lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others and would not standby and watch markets expose the people of the state to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if the right thing is done.

He warned that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions including the permanent closure of the offending market. He urged the executive members of markets to live up to their responsibilities and traders to be public minded by being hygienic while the buyers to play a pivotal role in promptly reporting any observed lapses in sanitation to LAWMA. He said the agency would have zero tolerance for reckless waste dumping in markets and defaulters risk closure and hefty fines.

CULLED FROM GUARDIAN.