TRADERS RISK MARKET CLOSURE OVER POOR WASTE DISPOSAL
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has cautioned market leaders and traders across the state against turning markets into illegal dumping grounds, warning that any market found violating waste disposal regulations could face closure to protect public health.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency stressed that indiscriminate waste disposal within market environments poses significant environmental and health dangers and would no longer be tolerated.
The warning was issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Protection and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Farouk Akintunde, following the evacuation of long-standing waste heaps at the Farmers’ Market along Solu Road in Ifo and Mamu Market in Ifo and Ijebu North local government areas.
Akintunde stated that market leaders have a responsibility to ensure traders dispose of refuse only at approved collection points where government-accredited waste operators can evacuate it.
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He described the practice of dumping waste indiscriminately within market premises as unacceptable, noting that it contributes to environmental degradation and creates serious health risks for traders and consumers.
According to him, the presence of waste near food items increases the risk of contamination, potentially leading to food poisoning and other health-related issues among residents.
“Markets are places where people purchase food and other essential items. Allowing waste to accumulate around these products is unacceptable and will not be condoned,” he said.
Akintunde further warned that the state government would not permit the negligence of a few traders and market leaders to jeopardise public health, particularly after repeated sensitisation campaigns on proper waste management practices.
He noted that OGWAMA has consistently engaged market stakeholders across the state on the importance of maintaining clean environments and ensuring regular waste evacuation.
The agency also urged the management of the affected markets to sustain proper sanitation standards and warned that any return to indiscriminate dumping after the recent clean-up exercise would attract strict sanctions, including possible closure of the affected markets.
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