Lagos Govt Shuts Oyingbo Market, See Why
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has put business activities on hold at the popular Oyingbo Market over sundry environmental infractions.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said in a statement on Thursday that the infractions included indiscriminate refuse dumping and refusal to patronise Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
Others were roadside trading and poor hygienic practices resulting in serious environmental problems in the area.
Gbadegesin said that an abatement notice and several warnings issued to the traders yielded no result, thus necessitating the closure.
He said that the market would be reopened when traders began to comply with the government’s rules and regulations by shunning indiscriminate refuse disposal and patronising assigned PSP operators.
HSENations also understands that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, also said the illegal street traders are responsible for creating traffic bottlenecks and impeding free flow of traffic following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s visit during the week
He charged the Oyingbo market leaders to meet the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government immediately to fashion out ways of accommodating the street traders in the main market.
Tunji Bello also warned that the state government would no longer condone the excesses of the traders who have abandoned the market for the streets.
He said their activities was unacceptable to the state government which is left with no other option but to protect the interest of the larger majority of residents who are daily slowed down by activities of the street traders who also litter the roads with refuse.
He maintained that despite several warnings, the traders have continued to litter the market, the streets and refused to patronize PSP operators.
He warned that the operatives had also been warned that they would face stern disciplinary measures if found to be collaborating with any street trader.
He also warned street traders in major areas of Lagos like Marina, Agege, Mushin, Alimosho and Obalende that their days are numbered as massive enforcement will soon come after them.
