The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reopened the sealed Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets.

Making the announcement on its Facebook page on Monday, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the markets sealed over their filth and gross environmental abuse were reopened following their full compliance with requisite conditions.

The LAWMA boss stressed the need for stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crises to be put in place.

He said: “Following extensive renovations and compliance measures, including the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening, Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market have been reopened today for business transactions.”

Mr Gbadegesin revealed that the mandatory conditions the reopened markets had to comply with before resuming operations include providing a designated waste point.

He added, “A filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others. We cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions, which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market.”

He told the market leaders that relevant local government authorities will monitor the markets’ operations’ to ensure adherence to the set conditions.

He urged the public to report to LAWMA any observed violation of the conditions, as he emphasised LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy for reckless waste dumping in markets while warning that defaulting markets would be fined and shut down.