To avert environmental degradation and restore public sanity and hygiene, the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government in Ogun State has given traders at the popular Kara Market in Isheri Berger a 100-day ultimatum to relocate to the Ogere International Market along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The ultimatum, which will expire on December 31, is to allow for a phased movement as the market will cease to exist in that location. The government has plans to demolish it.
Announcing the order, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr Sam Olugbenga Oyeleye, said the state government is inundated with reports of unhealthy disposal of wastes and other environmental nuisances from the market as well as open defecation on the median and road setbacks, despite the provision of public toilets by the government.
He said the state government would, therefore, not fold its hands and watch traders deface the environment and spread communicable diseases, despite several sensitisation, appeals and arrests.
He said: “Their bad attitudes, which constitute an eyesore, are also not in tandem with the state government’s policy of attracting investors to the state as the nation’s industrial hub, so the need to relocate the market for the general good of the state.’’
Aside, Oyeleye said the Kara market has out-lived its usefulness as it has been overstretched.
He assured the cow sellers and other traders of adequate security.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
