Lagos Assembly Kicks Against Theft Of Public Infrastructure

By Felix Kuyinu

Lawmakers at the Lagos Assembly have decried occurrences of theft and destruction of public infrastructure in the state.

Speaker at the Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, emphasized on the need for the state government to provide adequate security to ensure adequate protection of infrastructure in the metropolis.

Meranda, in a plenary held at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, called on the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to address illegal activities of scavengers and the growing menace of manhole theft.

The Speaker enjoined the residents to act as whistleblowers against the unwanted act. She also called on the government to sensitize the public on waste separation and report of suspicious activities.

Meranda made the recommendations following a motion moved by Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa Constituency 02 at the legislative House.

Yishawu commended the government’s efforts in providing enabling infrastructure, such as roads with underground ducts, manhole covers, bridges with safety rails, and functional drainage systems. However, the lawmaker stressed that the increase in vandalization of public infrastructure is a worrying effect, stating that perpetrators should be prosecuted.

Yishawu said, “These projects aim to improve resident’s quality of life by enhancing road safety, reducing traffic congestion, and mitigating flooding.

“However, there are concerns over the increasing vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, including manhole covers, pedestrian bridge railings, and streetlight cables.

“Such activities could lead to severe consequences, including road accidents, drainage blockages, and setbacks in the state’s infrastructural development.

“If this trend is not addressed promptly, the safety of residents and the government’s developmental efforts will be compromised,” the legislator stated.

Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 01, said that the issue affects the community.

He attributed the occurrence to the activities by scavengers roaming unchecked in the constituency. He called for a complete ban against the scavengers in the state.

Similarly, Kehinde Joseph and Bonu Solomon who represent Alimosho Constituency 02 and Badagry Constituency 01, respectively, cited incidents in both communities.

The duo hammered on the importance of enforcing existing laws to curb the situation. Solomon recommended activating youth-focused initiatives to engage idle youths, enjoining the residents to take responsibility of protecting public infrastructure in their area.

Further recommendations by the parliamentary House include enforcing the state’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017, by applying sanctions against scavengers and unauthorized waste activities.