Lagos Lawmakers charge Sanwo-Olu on road rehabilitation

….summon officials of Works Ministry

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday charged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to declare state of emergency on roads across the state, lamenting the condition of roads.

The lawmakers gave the charge during plenary session while debating the deteriorating state of roads across the 40 constituencies.

They also summoned the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Adeyinka Lukmon, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and other concerned officials.

Also invited were the head and related officials of the Public Works Corporation (PWC).

Presiding over the plenary session, the Deputy Speaker, Hon (Mrs) Mojisola Meranda, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of roads in the state.

While supporting the declaration of an emergency on roads, the Deputy Speaker said the problem affects every part of Lagos with some of the roads almost becoming inaccessible.

According to her, it has become imperative to prioritise quality and maintenance of roads by adopting modern approaches to construction.

Earlier, Hon. David Setonji (Deputy Chief Whip), who raised the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, observed that less than a year after some roads were fixed, they deteriorate.

Setonji called for an investigation into the challenge.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu ( Eti-Osa 2), attributed the problem of the roads in the state primarily to flooding and improper channelisation of water.

He suggested the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to assist in road maintenance, emphasising the need for sufficient budgetary allocations to support road infrastructure.

On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) highlighted the importance of maintaining proper drainage systems to prevent road damage.

Elliotalso called for the completion of abandoned road projects.

In his contribution, Hon. Fatai Mojeed (Chief Whip) expressed concern over the significant time commuters spend on the roads, resulting in major inconveniences.

Decrying the hours motorists spend on the Lekki-Epe Expressway daily as a result of construction work, he suggested that the governor writes the federal government regarding the state of federal roads in Lagos.

Mojeed also mentioned how the poor condition of the roads affects children’s access to education in some areas.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) called for the invitation of the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation to appear before the House to provide explanations.

Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) said failed portions of some roads resulted from delays in fixing small potholes by officials responsible.

While highlighting the issue of delayed funding of the Public Works Corporation, he suggested punishment for officials who approve substandard projects.

Other lawmakers, who spoke, agreed on the need for the concerned officials of government to be invited for explanation on the challenges.