As part of efforts to sustain effective sanitation, the Ogun State Ministry of Environment has begun clearing illegal structures and shanties constituting environmental nuisance and insecurities in school areas, markets, and roadsides.

Speaking during an enforcement tour to Sagamu and Siun areas of the State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Farouk Akintunde said the exercise would ensure security mostly in school areas, as well as clear the roadsides of illegal trading causing traffic obstructions.

He stated that it would further curb indiscriminate trading that could endanger lives and property of citizens and aid development, adding that apart from defacing the school structures, erected shanties at entrances of schools could also divert the learning mentality of learners.

Akintunde who decried the state of the market, as traders did not observe the weekly sanitation exercise, added that all markets in the State were supposed to remain closed on Thursday till 10:00 am to allow for the cleaning of the environment, saying “we are not trying to make life difficult for anyone but trying to avoid an epidemic”.

A transport commuter, Mr. AbdulRahman Lasisi lauded the State government for clearing Siun roadside of illegal street trading, saying the exercise would allow free flow of vehicular movements.

Also speaking, a trader, Mr. Olusegun Ogunyebo commended the efforts of the Ministry for ensuring a safe and cleaner environment.