Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led government of Lagos State has reopened Mile 12 International Market on 16 October 2023
According to Gistlover, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) employees jointly conducted an operation last Friday to close Mile 12 and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road to prevent the indiscriminate dumping and burning of trash.
The markets were sealed, according to Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, because they were filthy. He bemoaned the fact that all of the markets’ drainage systems were clogged with trash.
Additionally, Wahab bemoaned the dangers of indiscriminate and illegal parking as well as the abandonment of trucks on major roads, which impede the free flow of traffic.
However, the commissioner claimed in a statement released on Monday that the Mile 12 market was reopened following a careful examination of various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management procedures, and general cleanliness within the market.
The government would not stand by helplessly as these values were undermined by the actions of a small number of people, he said, adding that environmental, public health, and safety issues were of the utmost importance.
“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, to affect the generality of the people.
“Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as a precondition for reopening shut markets, the Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of Mile 12 International Market.
“In spite of several advocacy and public enlightenment, the government is left with no choice but to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets,” Wahab said.
He urged the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting a premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that the government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways.