Lagos Assembly Set To Investigate Street Light Up Project

By Felix Kuyinu

Lawmakers at the Lagos State Parliamentary House have set up a committee to probe activities in allocations budgeted for street light projects in the state.

During a plenary at the state’s House of Assembly on Monday, the legislators bemoaned experienced outage in communities in the area despite the yearly budgetary allocations for the project.

Leader of the House, Mojisola Meranda, said that a 7-member committee has been set up for the exercise.

Meranda disclosed the members as : Sa’ad Olumoh as Chairman of the committee, Tobun Abiodun, Desmond Elliot, Stephen Ogundipe, Akanbi Oluwa, Femi Saheed and Abiodun Orekoya.

Olumoh said: “We are urging the Lagos State Government to expedient action in awarding contracts to light up streets across the state to combat insecurity and other crimes.

“We recommend a directive to the Commissioner for Energy and other concerned agencies and the local government councils in making sure the target is achieved.”

Gbolahan Yishau, a representative of Eti-Osa constituency 01 at the Assembly hammered on the significance of adequate supply of light in the streets of Lagos. He said: “Power of security goes hand in hand. As we are aware, security is key but if we are settling for an alternative energy systems, we must ensure that it is sustainable. Whatever contract that is going to be awarded should take this into cognisance. The state is looking towards solar to empowering our streets.”

Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 01 added: “I will recommend a complementary role between the state and local government administration to attain this target.’

“Lighting up Lagos cannot be compromised. 80 per cent of the Surulere constituency is lighted up by solar.

“Light is life. We should take a cue from the Surulere constituency where about 80 per cent of the constituency is light up by solar. Kudos to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has brought a lot of development and nightlife in Surulere.

“We can’t fold our arms and continue to dwell in darkness in the state.”

Lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 01 said: “Light up Lagos is an initiative of this government. We promised Lagosians that we would improve on this especially because of insecurity. God has been kind to us in Lagos and we can’t take this for granted.

“The governor is trying but it’s time we run away from diesel and fossil energy. Solar is the in thing and we can’t run away from it. if there is no light, open defecation and crimes will be on the rise. This is why we must work hand in hand with relevant agencies to ensure our streets are light up.”