The Oyo State government has warned community, market and transport union leaders to stop encouraging street trading by allocating trading spots on the road and major streets to traders.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye gave the warning during a sensitization programme with market men and women in Ibadan on Friday.
She, therefore, called on street traders to vacate the roads or face sanctions, especially within the Ibadan metropolis.
The PS said the state government is poised to find a lasting solution to the menace of street trading and illegal dumping of refuse.
While harping on the need for collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders at curbing the menace, Adeleye stressed that the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting anyone.
The Permanent Secretary said that traders and residents must align with the government in its renewed efforts at curbing indiscriminate waste disposal.
She noted that the Oyo State government has put in place some major efforts, especially by engaging a Waste Management company, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, in tackling refuse disposal and recycling.
Adeleye noted that street trading impedes the free flow of traffic and operatives of the ministry are resolute to take an uncompromising posture in enforcing street trading laws of Oyo State.
She, therefore, appealed to traders to adhere strictly to the environmental laws of the state, by patronizing the government approved waste consultant and its accredited franchisees.
The PS said that after the sensitization, the ministry would embark on full enforcement and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of environmental laws operating in the state.
In his remarks, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Chief Yekin Abass called on the traders in the state to strictly adhere to the environmental laws, urging them to put an end to street trading.
Speaking on behalf of traders, the Iyaloja of Bodija International Market, Chief Mrs. Victoria Onipede and her counterpart, the Iyaloja Eleyele Market, Mrs. Saliu Akanni collectively promised their unalloyed support through monitoring their members regularly to ensure they adhere strictly to the law of the land.
They also agreed to involve other major stakeholders in the state on government renewed efforts at tackling the menace.
Markets visited include Bodija International Market, Eleyele Market and Sango Markets among others.
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