LAWMA seals markets, shopping complexes over sanitation violations

Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has stepped up enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations by shutting down several markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises in the Ikotun-Igando area over persistent waste management violations.

The agency also announced the commencement of fresh compliance notices to businesses operating along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor ahead of another phase of enforcement.

The operation, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team, focused on markets and commercial establishments along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area.

According to the agency, the affected traders and business operators repeatedly engaged in indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians despite several warnings, environmental awareness campaigns and notices of intention to seal their premises.

The latest exercise comes on the heels of a similar enforcement campaign along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor earlier in the week, which LAWMA said resulted in improved compliance with sanitation regulations and restored environmental cleanliness in the area.

Commenting on the exercise, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the positive outcome of the Yaba operation encouraged the agency to extend the initiative to other strategic locations across the state.

He revealed that, alongside the closures in Alimosho, the authority had begun issuing notices of intention to seal markets, plazas, shops and other commercial facilities along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with Lagos State environmental laws.

Among the facilities sealed during Saturday’s enforcement were Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores and several other businesses found to have breached environmental sanitation regulations.

Gbadegesin stated that the affected markets and commercial establishments would remain closed until they met all stipulated environmental requirements and the authority was satisfied that the necessary corrective measures had been implemented.

He reiterated that dumping refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations contravenes Lagos State environmental laws and warned that violators would continue to face strict enforcement measures.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations, business owners and property managers to keep their surroundings clean, patronise only their designated Private Sector Participant, PSP, waste operators and desist from illegal waste disposal practices.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustaining public enlightenment campaigns alongside firm enforcement of environmental regulations to promote responsible waste management, safeguard public infrastructure and maintain a cleaner, healthier and more livable Lagos.