The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has stepped up its environmental compliance enforcement across Lagos State, sealing several markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises along the Ikotun-Igando corridor while issuing notices of intention to seal markets, shops and plazas located along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire axis.

The enforcement operation was conducted on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team across the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area. According to the Authority, the action followed persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median despite repeated default notices, sustained environmental advocacy campaigns and earlier notices of intention to seal affected premises.

Commenting on the exercise, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the latest operation followed the notable improvement in environmental compliance recorded along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor after enforcement activities carried out earlier in the week.

He noted that the intervention had helped restore environmental order and improve sanitation standards within the affected communities. Encouraged by the outcome, the Authority expanded the compliance drive to additional locations across the state while beginning the issuance of notices of intention to seal markets, shops and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of its ongoing enforcement efforts.

During Saturday’s exercise, LAWMA sealed Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores and several other shops and commercial premises found to be in violation of environmental sanitation regulations.

“The affected markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises will remain under seal until all stipulated environmental compliance conditions have been fully met and the Authority is satisfied that adequate corrective measures have been implemented,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated.

Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated that indiscriminate disposal of waste on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations contravenes Lagos State environmental laws and would continue to attract appropriate sanctions.

He also urged traders, market associations, property owners and business operators to maintain clean surroundings, use only their assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators and refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, stressing that environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility.

The LAWMA chief further reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to sustaining public enlightenment alongside strict enforcement to encourage responsible environmental practices, safeguard public infrastructure and maintain a cleaner, healthier and more liveable Lagos.

Source: Independent Newspaper.