By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State Government in the early hours of today shut down the Mandate market, for non compliance with environmental law of the state
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman while working at the market today said the directive became necessary, after several warnings to the markets leaders by the Ministry.
In his words, “We decided to close the market after several meetings with market leaders and us, the Ministry in charge, on the need to strictly adhere to the environmental law, fell into deaf ears.
“We have reminded them severally of the need to clean their environment and evacuate the refuse which may cause an outbreak of epidemics, in the State, but to our dismay, there is no compliance and this warranted our actions today”.
The Commissioner said the action in itself is enough warning to all other markets located in the state at large to desist from violating environmental laws or else the ministry would not have any option than to close down erring markets.
He however reiterated the commitment of the present administration to sustain a clean and hygienic environment, to ensure healthy living of Kwara residents .
After several hours of closure, the market was however reopened, following the intervention of some stakeholders in the state, with a promise to comply with environmental laws.
