Lessons From Igbudu Market Closure

THE state government’s mindfulness of the undercurrents of concerns over the environment is being reflected in a series of interventions towards greater environmental protection and sustainability. One of them, the closure of Igbudu Market in Warri for poor sanitary conditions is, no doubt, a further demonstration of the seriousness of government’s rescue mission with regards to the environment.
Wielding the big stick against poor environmental sanitation and bad attitudes towards the environment is a clear evidence of government’s readiness to step on toes, as it has said, in its determination to clean up the environment and put the state beyond the reach of the effects of climate change, which has reared its ugly head globally for some time now.
Its commitment towards reversing the negative impacts of environmental abuse and degradation and fighting poor environmental sanitation is a wake-up call to people throughout the state as the market’s closure was definitely avoidable had the right things been done.
With the vulnerability of members of the public to diseases in untidy surroundings, especially where items meant for consumption are daily displayed, the decision is desirous and timely. It leaves a lot for people to learn from, including the fact that we cannot continue to leave the environment at the mercy of human activities, no matter how connected such activities are to survival given that life, in the very first place, depends on the environment for its existence.
Human economic pursuits and any gains therefrom are incomparable with the woes of poor environmental practices should they be allowed to occur. Sanctions against defaulters are, therefore, necessary to send this message across to people and get them to practicalise this very visible handwriting on the wall.
To avoid any disruptions in their daily activities coupled with the suggestion that consumers should avoid patronizing businesses and activities in untidy surroundings, people must begin to play by the rules. Furthermore, government has shown that it is not prepared to sit back while the environment, like a beast of burden, bears the impact of unregulated human activities.
The environment is such a wide component of our existence. For this reason, it requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including the local government councils, to achieve government’s laudable agenda in this very important area.
People must also take the monthly environmental sanitation very seriously and always keep their surroundings clean as well as comply with sanitation rules. As there is no short-cut to a safe environment, everybody must begin to prioritize cleanliness.