The Lagos State House of Assembly has bemoaned the poor condition of roads in their various constituencies and resolved to invite relevant state government officials.
During plenary on Tuesday, the lawmakers also sought the declaration of an emergency on roads by the state government.
Those invited included the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, Adeyinka Lukmon; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; and other concerned officials.
The others are the head and related officials of the state’s Public Works Corporation.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, who presided at the plenary, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of roads in the state.
While supporting the declaration of an emergency on roads, Meranda said that 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, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji, who raised the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, observed that less than a year after some roads were fixed, they had deteriorated.
Setonji, who represents Badagry Constituency I, called for an investigation into the situation.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, 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, just as he emphasised the need for sufficient budgetary allocations to support road infrastructure.
On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere I) highlighted the importance of maintaining proper drainage systems to prevent road damage. He also called for the completion of abandoned road projects.
In his contribution, Hon. Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju-Lekki I) expressed concern over the significant time commuters spend on the roads, resulting in major inconveniences.
Decrying the manhour motorists spend on the Lekki-Epe Expressway daily as a result of construction work, he suggested that the executive arm of the Lagos government write the federal government regarding the state of federal roads in Lagos.
Mojeed also spoke the poor condition of the roads affects children’s access to education in some areas.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II) called for the invitation of the General Manager of the state Public Works Corporation to appear before the House to provide explanations.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) 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 issue as well as what they are doing to salvage the situation.
