The Lagos Waste Management Authority has reopened Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets, recently sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse.

Recall that the Lagos State Government had on September 29th ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo market over several abuse of environmental laws.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who announced the re-opening on Monday, said the re-opening of the markets followed full compliance with requisite conditions.

He said, “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.”

Gbadegesin emphasised that the re-opened markets had to comply with a set of mandatory conditions listed for them prior to resuming operations.

“These conditions include providing a designated waste point; installation of block work fence and platforms for the placement of double dino bins; procurement of double dino bins for waste containerisation; commitment to putting in place sustainable market waste policing to guarantee constant cleanliness of the market environment

“Enforce proper waste disposal regulations; engagement of bin keepers; collaboration with accredited PSP operators for timely evacuation.

Prompt payment of waste bills, as well as dislodging Street traders from road medians and setbacks and preventing unauthorised vending.”

The LAWMA CEO said filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others.

He noted that the state cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things.

Gbadegesin however, threatened permanent closure of the market.

“We want to make it abundantly clear, that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market,” he added.