The Saki West Local Government has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit the sale and display of goods on unauthorized places. The bill, spearheaded by Hon. Jinaad Fausat Adenike, the Deputy Leader of the House and Councillor representing Ward 02, is set to tackle the increasing challenges posed by street trading on major roads within the community.
The proposed legislation comes in response to the mounting difficulties faced by both residents and road users, particularly in areas that host bustling markets, such as the Sanngo Market.
Hon. Adenike expressed her concerns about the worsening situation, pointing to the significant dangers associated with the practice of street trading on public walkways.
“A visit to our major roads hosting important markets like Sanngo market will give a gory picture of how walkways and footpaths on our roads have been turned to market stalls and cubicles,” she said, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation.
Street trading on walkways has been identified as a key contributor to several community challenges, including severe traffic congestion, increased road accidents, exposure to harm for both traders and pedestrians, environmental hazards, and the accelerated deterioration of public infrastructure.
By restricting the unauthorized sale of goods, the bill seeks to create a safer environment for pedestrians and improve the overall flow of traffic.
The bill is also a critical step towards reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by the accumulation of waste generated from the informal market stalls. The Local Government is committed to ensuring a cleaner, more organized urban space that benefits both traders and road users.
Hon. Gbenga Akinola, the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, has expressed his full support for the initiative, underscoring its importance as part of broader efforts to develop a safer, more orderly community.
“As we work towards the development of Saki West Local Government, this bill represents a significant stride in creating a community that is not only conducive to economic activity but also one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its people,” he said.
The introduction of the bye-law is expected to provide a framework for greater regulation of street trading, ensuring that business activities are conducted in designated areas, free from the dangers and chaos of illegal roadside commerce. In doing so, the bill aims to promote an organized urban environment while maintaining the economic vibrancy that markets bring to the community.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, the Saki West Local Government is committed to fostering dialogue with traders and stakeholders, ensuring that the final law balances the needs of the community with the importance of maintaining safety, order, and environmental sustainability.
