An early morning rainfall disrupted the weekly sanitation exercise in Lagos markets, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN reports that the rain, which started by 2.00 a.m., continued to drizzle in some areas even after 8.00 a.m.
Gates to the markets were locked when NAN correspondent visited some markets in Ketu/Ikosi and Mile 12.
NAN also reports that the open areas without gates were blocked with bars and security measures were mounted to prevent people from carrying wares in and out of the markets.
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A trader, Mrs Iyabo Adesegun, said that the gates were always locked from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 a.m on Thursdays.
“This is to make sure that the traders and buyers obey the government’s directive to observe the sanitation to keep the markets clean.
“Business in the markets start as early as 4.00 a.m., even some customers sleep in the markets to buy things and leave the markets before 7.00 a.m. before the sanitation starts properly.
“I am outside because l didn’t finish buying what l came to buy before 7.00 a.m. Some who had finished and got vehicles are on the way to their various places,” she said.
One of the security officials, Mr Lawal Shittu, said that not much was done this Thursday to clean up the market because of the rain.
“However, you know cleaning and sweeping of the market are carried out daily in the evening at the markets.
“The market managers pay some people to sweep the market daily.
“Today, the traders are to clean up their own shops and environs, open and clear the drains around them.
“The refuse are then packed to where PSP Operator or LAWMA trucks will take them away.
“I am here to make sure that nobody comes out to sell anything in the market until after the sanitation.
“Traders and buyers know this and have been complying’’, he said.
Another market official at Ketu, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that the traders had been trying to ensure that the markets were kept clean.
“We will continue to sweep the market whether it is sanitation day or not.
“Every trader in this market will confirm that the market is swept every day.
“We also pay barrow boys that take the wastes to LAWMA truck stationed outside the market’’, he said. (NAN)