Ogun to shut markets over poor sanitation

Amidst the nation’s efforts to combat cholera outbreak, the Ogun State government issued a stern warning on Sunday, vowing to close down any market in the state with subpar waste management or unsanitary conditions.

Abayomi Hunye, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, issued the warning during a gathering with the leadership and members of the Ogun State Association of Market Men and Women in Abeokuta.

In a statement released on Sunday, Abayomi Hunye emphasized that the ongoing efforts to combat the cholera outbreak in the country necessitate meticulous waste management and rigorous cleanliness standards in all markets.

He said markets remained the rallying points for purchase of all commodities such as foodstuffs, fruits, among other items, must, therefore, be sparkling clean at all times so as not to be breeding grounds for contagious diseases like cholera.

Hunye said, “In Ogun State, the government has provided big waste collection bins in most of the markets with some serviced by the PSP Operators, so the traders in various markets have no reason not to properly dispose of their waste.

“However, some of the traders with their market leaders are still dumping their waste in their immediate surroundings, especially in drainage channels, in front of their shops or stalls, thereby blocking them, which will lead to unnecessary erosion when it rains and creates offensive odour in the market space.

“To make matters worse, some markets create illegal dumpsites within their space, especially at the back of the markets, which have become havens for rodents, vectors, and flies that feed and perch on the commodities that they sell to the public.

“These illegal dumpsites aside from aiding the spread of diseases also lead to fire outbreaks in markets notably that of Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta months back.

“So the state government will not allow such issues to happen in any of its markets, hence, the need for proper waste disposal as any market found flouting this directive will be shut.”

Hunye urged market vendors to embrace responsible waste disposal practices in their respective markets and collaborate with the Ogun State Waste Management Authority to maintain a clean environment.