CHOLERA: Ogun Markets Face Closure Over Poor Hygiene

July 9, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

As the country battles to contain the outbreak of cholera, the government of Ogun State threatened on Sunday that it would shut down any market in the state with poor waste disposal or sanitation.

Abayomi Hunye, Special Advisor/Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authorities, issued the ultimatum during a meeting with executives and members of the Ogun State Association of Market Men and Women in Abeokuta..

In a statement made on Sunday, Hunye said the present period, when the country was battling to overcome the outbreak of cholera, called for proper waste disposal and general cleanliness in the markets. He said markets, which remain the rallying points for the purchase of all commodities such as foodstuffs and fruits, among other items, must, therefore, always be sparkling clean so as not to be breeding grounds for contagious diseases like cholera.

He stated further, “In Ogun State, the government has provided big waste collection bins in most of the markets, with some serviced by the PSP operators, so the traders in various markets have no reason not to properly dispose of their waste.“ However, some of the traders and their market leaders are still dumping their waste in their immediate surroundings, especially in drainage channels, in front of their shops or stalls, thereby blocking them, which will lead to unnecessary erosion when it rains and create an offensive odour in the market space.

In addition, he said that some markets create illegal dumpsites within their space, especially at the back of the markets, which have become havens for rodents and flies that feed on and perch on the commodities that they sell to the public, which makes matters worse.” These illegal dumpsites, aside from aiding the spread of diseases, also led to fire outbreaks in markets, notably at “Lafenwa Market” in Abeokuta, months ago.

He made it clear that the state government will not allow such issues to happen in any of its markets; hence, there is a need for proper waste disposal, as any market found to be disregarding this directive will be shut down.

In conclusion, Hunye implored all market men and women to imbibe the spirit of proper waste disposal in their different markets and cooperate with the Ogun State Waste Management Authority for a clean environment by paying their government-subsidised waste bills as and when due.