…urges citizens to protect public infrastructures
As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce accidents on its highways , the Lagos State Government has embarked on fixing vandalized manhole covers across the state.
The Lagos State Public Works Corporation on Sunday fixed a gaping hole on Mobalaji Bank Anthony Way. The manhole cover had been removed and carted away by unscrupulous people who have no consideration for the lives of other Lagosians and visitors.
The corporation initially provided a temporary cover and cordoned off the affected section of the road Saturday night when it was discovered as a danger point.
This was followed by the provision of a permanent solution on Sunday, using reinforced concrete cover slabs, sitting on a metal cleat.
During the inspection of the maintenance work, the Special Adviser, Office of Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, noted that the widespread vandalism of manhole covers has reached an alarming state, which calls for collective action of all Lagosians against the vandals, who are enemies of safety and respect for human lives for which Lagos is well known.
Citing several examples in various parts of Lagos, Engr, Daramola said the situation was not just a major concern to the Government but a public embarrassment as vandals often return to the same manhole covers after reinstatement by the Pubic Works Corporation, vandalize them all over and cart away the materials for economic gains.
“This is why we have continually called on all Lagosians to take ownership of Public Infrastructure,” he said, adding that.; “It does not make any sense for the road maintenance teams to repeatedly visit the same spots, just because some people are hell bent on damaging infrastructures put in place with public resources.
Daramola also hinted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on security agencies to step up their action against vandals, whom he described as pure criminals and enemies of the state.
This ugly trend, according to the Special Adviser, also poses serious threats to health, safety, and security as many unsuspecting road users fall into the open holes, sustaining injuries in the process.
The LSPWC has created a systematic approach to fixing all damaged manholes on Lagos roads, in line with the commitment of the Administration of the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat to making our roads safe and motorable all year round.
In his comments, the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Engr. Tokunbo Ajanaku said the Agency has a repository of over 4000 manhole covers vandalized and carted away across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Authorities in the State.
In the last two weeks, the Corporation has reinstated over 300 vandalised manhole covers, especially within Lagos Island, Surulere, Eti Osa, and Ikeja. Others are slated for replacement in the coming weeks.
The General Manager also noted that to stop vandals from destroying manhole covers, the Lagos State Government has over the years explored the use of materials that have no market value, but this is yet to yield the desired results. He urged all Lagosians to join the battle against vandals.