Ogun state government has threatened to shut any market found guilty of improper waste disposal and dirty environment in the overriding public interest especially at this period when the country is grappling with the outbreak of cholera.
Special Adviser to the government and the managing director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority {OGWAMA},Hon Abayomi Semako Hunye disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with the Executive and members of the Ogun State Association of Market Men and Women in Abeokuta.
He stated there is need for concerted efforts from stakeholders in all the markets in the state for proper waste disposal as the country is presently battling to curtail the spread of cholera outbreak.
“proper waste disposal and general cleanliness in all markets as markets are rallying points for purchase of all commodities such as foodstuffs, provisions and other items, so they must be sparkling clean at all times.”
Hunye added that improper waste disposal in markets breeds rodents, vectors and flies which infests commodities sold to the general public which will lead to unwanted diseases among residents.
He noted that some traders along with their market leaders perpetuates indiscriminate dumping of refuse in their immediate surroundings especially on drainage channels in front of their shops or stalls thereby causing unnecessary blockage leading to erosion.
“some markets create illegal dump-sites within their space especially at the back which have become haven for rodents, vectors and flies which feeds and perch on their commodities that they sells to the public
He further stated that illegal dumpsites aside from aiding the spread of diseases also leads to fire outbreak in markets notably that of Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta recently.
“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.”
He urged market stakeholders to imbibe the spirit of proper waste disposal in their different market and also cooperate with the Ogun State Waste management authority for waste free and clean environment by paying the government subsidized waste bills as at when due which will rub-off on the general well-being of the society.