Lagos, Feb. 16 (NAN) The Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State on Monday commenced desilting of drainage channels at the popular Oyingbo Ultra Modern Market to enhance environmental sanitation and prevent flooding.
The exercise, which took place within and around the market, is aimed at clearing blocked drainage systems to ensure free flow of water and protect traders’ goods and livelihoods.
Mr Jubril Emilagba, the council chairman said the intervention was part of his administration’s commitment to maintaining public infrastructure and creating a healthy environment for residents and traders.
“The desilting of Oyingbo Market is a proactive step to prevent flooding, improve sanitation and safeguard the economic activities of traders, who depend on the market for their livelihood,” he said.
The chairman noted that regular maintenance of key public facilities, particularly major commercial centres, remained a top priority of his administration.
“We are committed to providing a clean, safe and business-friendly environment.
Markets like Oyingbo serve thousands of people daily, and their upkeep is essential to public health and economic sustainability,” he said.
Some traders at the market commended the local government for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial.
A textile trader, Mrs. Funke Adewale, said the exercise would reduce flooding challenges commonly experienced during the rainy season.
“This will really help us. When the drains are blocked, water enters our shops and damages goods. We appreciate the chairman for this intervention,” she said.
Another trader, Mr. Sadiq Lawal, who deals in food items, also praised the intervention, saying it demonstrated responsiveness to the needs of traders.
“This is the first time in a long while that we are seeing this kind of attention in the drainage system. It shows that the government is listening to us,” Lawal said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the desilting exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the council to promote environmental cleanliness, improve public health and boost economic productivity within the council area.(NAN)
