The Rivers State Government has vowed to enforce stricter sanitation measures at the Yam Zone Market in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, warning that the livestock section could be shut down if urgent corrective actions are not taken.
Director of Environmental Health and Safety in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Wisdom Ogolo, issued a two-month ultimatum to traders and occupants of the market to address poor sanitary conditions or risk closure.
Ogolo complained about the unhygienic environment, citing the deplorable access road leading to the slaughter area and the absence of a proper sewage disposal system as major concerns. He maintained that the state government would not compromise public health and safety standards.
Stating angrily, Ogolo said that if there is no visible improvement after the deadline, particularly in fixing the access road and constructing a functional sewage tank, the government will have no option but to close the market.
The warning follows complaints from concerned residents and traders about the poor state of hygiene in the area.
One of the complainants, Mr. Patrick Alieze, who had earlier petitioned the state government over the unsanitary conditions, called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to order the immediate closure of the goat section of the market, describing it as a serious health hazard.
Esther, a resident, urged the Ministry of Environment to intensify routine inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safeguard the health of residents and consumers.
The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has stepped up enforcement of sanitation laws on Thursdays across major markets in the state as part of its drive to promote cleaner and safer public spaces.
