Corps Marshal, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (retd), in her effort to ensure compliance with the social distancing order in markets, has advised market sellers to ensure strict compliance with the order. She warned that defaulters of the directives would be appropriately sanctioned by the State Government.
She made the warning on Monday, April 20th, 2020 at the Command Headquarters Bolade Oshodi. She explained that the measure was necessary in order to break the cycle of transmission of the deadly pandemic
She said; “Over crowded areas such as our market places will help to increase the spread of this pandemic if social distancing is not adhered to and this will pose great danger to the effort of the State Government at combating the spread of the virus. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has directed the immediate shutdown of such markets.”
“In light of this, the Agency will continue to intensify its search light on all the market places in the State to ensure that these directives is strictly adhered to through aggressive advocacy campaign and sensitization on total compliance to the order.”
“Similar campaigns are carried out at the Mile 12 food market in Kosofe Local Government Area of the State and will also be extended to other major market in the State. There is need to maintain environmental cleanliness around our markets and stop trading on road set backs and drainage.”
“We encourage personal hygiene among members and other market users by engaging in regular hand washing with soap and water as well as regular use of hand sanitisers, nose mask.”
“People should always consult the nearest hospital or testing centres for any ailment to ensure that the spread of the virus is curtailed as our markets harbour influx of people. People who do not have any business around the market, loitering, should stay at home to reduce the numbers of people within the markets arenas.”