By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Worried by the spate of abandoned roads across the state, Lagos Assembly lawmakers have tasked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene so as to fast track completion, ahead of the rainy season.
Hon. Aro Moshood representing Ikorodu constituency 2 raised a matter of urgent public importance during the plenary session, citing Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road, in Igbogbo Bayeku, Ikorodu, been abandoned since it was awarded in 2017.
Highlighting the dangers posed by the neglected road, he recalled that during the last rainy season, a viral video showed a pupils being swept away by floodwaters while trying to board a truck to cross the road.
He also noted that the area has become a blackspot for criminals who see it as a safe haven for them to do their heinous crimes as residents security gets compromised.
In his prayers, Hon. Aro called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the contractors to resume work immediately.
He also said that the Governor should mandate government agencies to provide 60% of the required funds to the contractors.
Ensure the security of contractors to facilitate prompt project completion. Assign the Acting Committee on Works to investigate and report back to the House within two weeks.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency 1 cited the fact that the Lagos State government had allocated sufficient budgetary provisions for road projects adding that while contractors cited rising material costs, budget adjustments had been made to accommodate them.
He urged the House to summon the contractors to explain why the project was abandoned.
Hon. Ganiyu Okanlawon, Kosofe constituency I, emphasized that abandoned roads had been discussed repeatedly in the House, stressing that it was time to enforce strict measures against contractors who fail to deliver.
He called on the Commissioner for Works to avail the House a briefing on the state of roads across Lagos.
Hon. Bonu Solomon Badagry constituency 1 highlighted that Ikorodu played a crucial role in the last election through its voter support and deserved better infrastructure.
He also pointed out that some roads in Badagry had been abandoned for over 15 years.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun Epe constituency 1 notes that the government’s handling of compensation for residents affected by road construction.
He stressed that many grassroots roads in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry remained untouched. He also proposed legislation to prevent successive administrations from abandoning ongoing projects.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) attributed delays of projects to funding variations, urging the House to conduct oversight on all state government road projects over the past three years.
Majority Leader, Temitope Adewale, Ifako/Ijaiye 1, condemned the poor execution of many road projects, arguing that any contractor who fails to complete a project after receiving funds should face imprisonment. The House resolved to take immediate action, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure the swift completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road and other abandoned road projects across Lagos.
