ABANDONED ROADS: LAGOS ASSEMBLY SENDS FRESH MESSAGE

ABANDONED ROADS: LAGOS ASSEMBLY SENDS FRESH MESSAGE

Invites Works Commissioner, Contractors
Lawmakers to Submit Lists of Abandoned Roads

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently address residents' concerns over abandoned road projects.

At a sitting presided over by Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, lawmakers highlighted the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that HITECH Construction Company resumes work on the project.

The Assembly also called for a comprehensive plan to complete the road while ensuring adequate security measures for affected communities.

To facilitate prompt completion, the House recommended that contractors receive an upfront payment of 60 to 70 percent for projects. Additionally, Speaker Meranda instructed all lawmakers to compile and submit lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies to the appropriate ministry for immediate action.

The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Aro Moshood, who decried the hardship faced by Ikorodu residents due to the abandoned road.

"This road has been in a deplorable state since 2017. What was meant to bring relief has become a source of distress, posing serious security and socio-economic challenges," Moshood stated.

He further highlighted the alarming rise in criminal activities, kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults, all linked to the road’s poor condition.

Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye emphasized the strategic importance of the road, stating that its completion would boost economic activities in the area.

Similarly, Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticized the prolonged delay, noting that the Assembly had previously approved funds for the project.

*"It is disappointing that a road construction project has been abandoned for over seven years. Last year, a committee inspected road projects across the state, and contractors cited the fluctuating exchange rate as a major challenge.

This House should invite the contractor handling this project to clarify whether they received the funds approved by this Assembly,"* Olumoh said.

Assembly Summons Works Commissioner, Contractors

Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon, insisted on decisive action, calling for the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to explain why the project remains uncompleted.

"The issue of abandoned road projects should not be taken lightly. I urge this House to summon the Commissioner and the contractors for explanations," he stated.

Hon. Tobun Abiodun proposed enacting a law to mandate all administrations to complete projects initiated by their predecessors, preventing abandoned projects in future governments.

Echoing the sentiment, Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, stressed that the problem extended beyond Ikorodu, affecting various parts of the state.

"This is not just an Ikorodu problem. It is happening across Lagos. We need to summon all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, to provide explanations," he added.

Unanimous Resolution

After extensive deliberations, the Assembly unanimously resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to provide a detailed report on the status of abandoned road projects across Lagos State.