LAGOS REITERATES COMMITMENT TO CLEAN SAFE MARKETS

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to clean and safe markets statewide, just as it urged all traders and business owners to desist from Street trading and dumping of refuse in unauthorised spots as the government is determined to deal with perpetrators.

Mr. Muslim Folami, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, stated this on Thursday during his sensitization tour of all major markets in the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas across the State.

He also decried the behaviour of some traders who abandoned their allocated stalls for the sidewalks and streets to display their wares, stressing that such unruly behaviour is against the State Environmental Law and hinders the free-flow of vehicular movement in the axis.

In his words, “It is disheartening to note that despite the provision of modern markets, traders still choose to sell on the streets and refused to take possession of the stalls and kee-klamps allocated to them. Your penchant for street trading can cause untold hardship for other citizens, traffic gridlock and road accidents”.

While assuring them that government would soon review the current price of the stalls and kee-klamps to make it more affordable for all and sundry, Folami warned the traders to occupy their stalls in the various Markets within one month or forfeit them.

He further advised them on the proper disposal and evacuation of refuse from the markets, medians and walkways as indiscriminate dumping of refuse does not portray the true image of Lagos as a Mega and Smart City.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Mr. Akeem Omoyele Sulaimon said government remains committed to delivering the dividends of democracy across the board.

He urged the traders to support and cooperate with the new Cleaner Lagos Initiative in order to make the State Cleaner, Safer and economically viable for more implementation of the present administration’s plans and programmes.

Earlier in her address, the Executive Chairman, Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Rashidat Omolola Essien thanked the State Government for the completed and ongoing infrastructural projects across the State, noting that traders will abide by the government directive and take possession of their stalls.

Also, the Executive Chairman, Shomolu Local Government, Mr. Abdul- Ahmed Salawu assured the government of total compliance to cleanliness in market environments, as well as other public places within the Local Government.

“We have embarked on the cleaning exercise of our Local Government and embraced Cleaner Lagos initiative. I also want to assure you that street trading will not be allowed in Somolu”, he stated.

The Markets visited by the Commissioner and his team include Oyingbo Ultra-modern Market, Sabo market in Yaba LCDA, Alade market, Shomolu and Adaranijo market in Bariga LCDA.