....Abeokuta South Local Government Takes Firm Stance on Market Standards: Kuto Market Shops Temporarily Closed for Non-Compliance
In a decisive move aimed at protecting public health and enhancing local commerce, Abeokuta South Local Government, led by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez (BOA), has instituted an immediate lockup of newly constructed shops at Kuto Market. This action comes in the wake of alarming findings during a routine inspection that revealed a significant failure to adhere to essential infrastructural standards, notably the absence of critical facilities such as toilets and borehole water sources.
Kuto Market, a bustling commercial center that caters to thousands of traders, artisans, and service providers, has long been recognized as a cornerstone of economic activity in Abeokuta. The recent expansion through the construction of new shop units was initially celebrated as a positive development; however, this initiative has been marred by a glaring oversight.
During the inspection, authorities discovered that the newly established shops not only lack basic sanitation facilities but also fail to provide access to safe water, posing serious risks to public health and safety. In a statement, Hon. Afeez emphasized the gravity of these issues, stating, “The absence of toilet facilities is not just an inconvenience; it poses dire sanitation concerns that could lead to disease outbreaks. We cannot compromise on the health and safety of our market users.”
The Executive Chairman outlined several critical reasons for the temporary closure, including:
- Public Health Safety: The lack of sanitation facilities presents a direct threat to the health of traders and consumers alike, creating conditions conducive to disease transmission.
- Environmental Responsibility: Access to water is fundamental for hygienic waste disposal and overall cleanliness within the market sphere, underscoring the necessity for borehole installations.
- Stakeholder Protection: Ensuring that traders and buyers have access to essential amenities not only improves the market experience but also safeguards their welfare.
- Developer Accountability: Despite having received clear guidelines and timelines from the local government, the developers failed to fulfill their obligations, which has necessitated this emergency measure.
With this directive, the configuration of the market environment is expected to improve significantly, with hopes that compliance will soon be restored. The newly constructed shops will remain sealed until the developers rectify the inadequacies, particularly concerning the installation of mandated toilets and water facilities.
“Our priority is to maintain a safe, hygienic, and functional market space," said Hon. Afeez. "I assure all market users that these shops will be reopened for business once these deficiencies are addressed and verified.”
This decisive action is part of a larger framework designed to enforce infrastructural compliance, enhance public wellness standards, and improve the overall quality of service within local markets. By setting these standards, Abeokuta South Local Government hopes to encourage a culture of responsibility and accountability among developers, traders, and market leaders.
In light of these developments, the local government urges all stakeholders to forge a united front in ensuring that future developments adhere to regulatory guidelines to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more organized trading environment for all.
For further information or inquiries, please contact:
Hon. Waheed J. Amerinso
Supervisor for Information, Education and Sports
Abeokuta South Local Government
P.M.B. 2069, Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Email: abeokutasouthlga@yahoo.com
With the firm stand taken by the Abeokuta South Local Government, there is renewed hope for a healthier and more organized marketplace that prioritizes the welfare of its users.
