Shops operating along Dangote Cement Factory and in Ibese Market, in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have been shut down over non-compliance with environmental laws and failure to maintain hygienic business environment in the area.
Chairman of the local government. Olusola Akinbode, expressing his disappointed with the level of environmental degradation uncovered while inspecting the market, said some shop owners were trading without compliance to lay down rules and regulations.
Akinbode stated that the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Sanitation (WES) saddled with the responsibilities of monitoring and inspecting markets would ensure enforcement across board while those found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.
He disclosed that the erring shop owners had been warned several and given an action plan but they refused to yield to the warning.
He said, “The State Government under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun is friendly to all our markets women and men across the state, but at the same time, will not condone activities of any traders negating the extant environmental laws rules in the area.
“Some shop owners on many occasions have been found not complying with the rules, in line with the modus operandi of the council. When the market was visited, many regulations were violated, they were warned and given an action plan but they refused to abide with it. At a time, some refused to pay rent-age as at when due, which stipulates violation of the council’s decision”.
The council’s boss also lamented over the traders’ nonchalant attitude towards clearing of drainage to allow free flow of water and prevent flooding, especially during the rainy season.
He warned that the management of the council would not allow traders to put the lives of others at risk, pointing out that the Governor had provided infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to come on board, which should be reciprocated and complemented at the grassroots.
