Defecate in the open, go to jail

Folami urged market leaders at Ojo Alaba International Market where open defecation is rife to provide toilet facilities for the traders.

He lamented that the recently cleared drainage channel is now filled with refuse, saying the government will not hesitate to shut the market.

He said government will still sensitise the traders on the dangers of defecation in the market, reiterating that it might be forced to shut it if they refuse to cooperate with the government in the maintenance of the canals.

He said, “We will continue to sensitise them. As you can see we are already seeing other challenges here. For a market as sophisticated as this one, we expect the traders to patronise the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA for their waste disposal and not turning the canal to dump sites.

Responding, the chairman of Ojo Alaba International Trade Centre, Mr. Godwin Ibe said the traders have are trying to control the rate of pollution but all efforts are being frustrated by hoodlums in the area.

According to him, the security guards employed to watch over the canals had been manhandled on several occasions by these miscreants.

He appealed to the government to clear the canal and provide necessary support for maintenance of the place.