Epe Council Boss Warns Fish Traders Over Poor Sanitation

The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has warned traders at the Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets against poor sanitation, stressing that the local government will enforce environmental laws to protect public health.

Animashaun issued the warning on Saturday during an inspection of the markets, noting that fish trading is a major source of livelihood in Epe and that the Aiyetoro and Oluwo markets serve as key distribution centres for fresh and smoked fish across the Lagos East axis. She said the level of commercial activity in the markets makes proper hygiene non-negotiable.

She explained that markets handling perishable food items, particularly fish, require strict waste management practices, warning that poor sanitation could lead to outbreaks of communicable diseases. According to her, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and blocked drainage channels have previously contributed to environmental and health concerns in some market areas.

The council chairman directed traders to dispose of waste appropriately, maintain regular cleaning of their stalls and surroundings, and comply fully with environmental sanitation guidelines.

She emphasised that environmental hygiene is a shared responsibility, calling on traders, market leaders, and residents to work together to sustain a clean and orderly trading environment.

Animashaun cautioned that the local government would not hesitate to apply sanctions against traders who violate sanitation laws, as part of ongoing efforts to improve hygiene standards in public spaces.

She, however, assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and ensuring regular monitoring to maintain a safe and healthy market environment.

The council boss also warned traders to desist from roadside trading, noting that several accidents had been recorded along the Aiyetoro market axis due to indiscriminate selling.

“We therefore urge traders to stop selling on the roadside in the interest of public safety,” she said