The director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Engr. Osilamah Braimah, has said the board derived no joy from shutting down the Garki International Market yesterday, as over 5000 traders couldn’t gain access into their shops.
The market was sealed up following a court order to that effect.
Speaking in his office, Braimah explained that whilst the board was not happy shutting, it would be failing in its responsibility if the market was allowed to operate in its current deplorable condition.
Braimah said; “Environmental health officers of the board carrying out routine monitoring activities at the market 10 days ago noticed the filthy environment, garbage littered all over the place and bleeding sewer lines. Following our standard protocol, we served them an abatement notice, giving them the required time allowable under law to clean up. They ignored the notice and refused to clean up, rather the pile of garbage grew worse. It is indeed a sad spectacle to behold, fruits and vegetables being sold in close proximity to damaged sewer lines and heaps of garbage. We simply went to court to obtain the order to seal up the market. That is what we have implemented this morning. This means that every commercial activity grinds to a halt, because the situation as it is is a recipe for an epidemic.”
Braimah said an epidemic was waiting to happen, adding; “Placing financial interests of traders above the greater public health of the general populace is indeed an expensive mistake that we cannot afford to make.”
The director disclosed that once managers of the market undertake to clean up, they would be allowed to resume trading.
The head, corporate affairs and business development, Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), Mr. Innocent Amaechina, said the market was sealed as a result of ignoring the abatement notice served by AEPB.
