29th January, 2018
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed displeasure with the present state of various markets across the State and issued 20-day ultimatum to market leaders to prevail on their members to clean up their dirty surroundings or risk being shutdown.
According to the governor, the market environments across the state in recent time had not represented the image of state positively which did not befit the smart city Status of the State.
Ambode, who was represented by Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami at a stakeholders meeting with market leaders in all the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the State held in Alausa Ikeja said the present administration was not comfortable with the manner refuse were being dumped by the road sides, median and bus stops, including markets.
He said the volume of dirt and refuse in Lagos markets, laybys, medians and walkways were alarming and did not speak well of the status of the state, adding that the situation was capable of discouraging investors seeking to invest and improve socio-economic stance of the state.
“You have 20 days to clear the refuse in your markets. The State Government will not hesitate to shut down any market that is dirty because we will not be happy to see any market within our metropolis dirty,” he stated.
Ambode emphasised that the government was determined to ensure a cleaner and healthier Lagos and that this informed the Cleaner Lagos Initiative and the recruitment of street sweepers across the State.
The governor urged the market leaders to prioritize the cleanliness of their markets and cooperate with Visionscape officials by ensuring prompt collection and proper packaging of their waste for easy disposal.
He maintained that present administration frowned at street trading; he thereby called on all traders to get a shop in the market so as to ease the flow of traffic and prevent road accident.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Fola Padonu advised market leaders to justify the huge resources already committed to the environment by the Lagos State Government.
“All markets must be kept clean, the State Government has spent so much on various projects and we want you all to be partakers of these benefits. Work with us to ensure Lagos is cleaner,” he said.