The Lagos State Ministry of Environment yesterday shut Oke-Odo and Alamutu markets in Agbado Oke Odo and Mushin Local Government Areas, according to a statement. The statement by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Mr Fola Adeyemi said the government had no option after series of warning than to close the two markets in order to prevent epidemic outbreaks and flooding. It quoted the commissioner in-charge of the ministry, Mr Tunde Bello, as saying the government was determined to sanitize all markets.

The statement said the ministry was ready to do all within its powers to ensure that flooding is reduced in the state. Bello expressed regrets that most markets are yet to buy-into the vision of the state government, particularly in the areas of environmental sanitation and proper disposal of refuse.

"It is sad that most of our market men and women are still guided with the old traditional belief that rain is a blessing that must cart away refuse anytime it rains. One of the most topical issues of discussion all over the world today is climate change. The developed nations witness unprecedented flooding and Lagos being a coastal state, is susceptible to flooding, which is the more reason why the time to act is now. We have embarked on massive pre-rainy season cleaning, clearing and dredging and we shall not relent until we get there," he said.

The commissioner, however, appealed to all market leaders to advise their members to buy into the ministry's zero flood free Lagos "otherwise they risk a closure of three months". (NAN)