The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged urgent action on abandoned road projects, particularly the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Ikorodu

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently address the plight of residents affected by abandoned road projects, particularly the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

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During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the lawmakers urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that HITECH Construction Company resumes work on the long-abandoned road.

The Assembly also called for a comprehensive plan to complete the project while implementing adequate security measures to protect residents.

Lawmakers Demand Swift Action

The Assembly’s resolution included a proposal for contractors to receive an upfront payment of 60 to 70 percent to facilitate the prompt completion of projects.

Speaker Meranda further instructed all lawmakers to compile a list of abandoned roads within their constituencies for submission to the appropriate ministry for immediate intervention.

The resolution stemmed from a motion of ‘urgent public importance’ raised by Hon. Aro Moshood, who condemned the severe hardship Ikorodu residents face due to the road’s poor condition.

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

Security and Economic Concerns

Lawmakers highlighted the growing security concerns caused by the neglected road, including rising cases of kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults.

Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye stressed the road’s strategic importance to the state’s economy, arguing that its completion would boost business activities in the area.

Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticised the prolonged delay, pointing out that funds for the project had already been approved by the House in the previous year. He called for an investigation into whether the contractors had received the allocated funds.

“It is disappointing that a road project has been abandoned for over seven years. Last year, I was part of a committee that inspected road projects, and contractors cited the fluctuating exchange rate as a challenge. This House should invite the contractor to clarify whether they received the funds approved by this Assembly,” Olumoh said.

Call for Accountability

Echoing these concerns, Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon insisted on government accountability and demanded that the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, alongside the contractors, provide explanations for the stalled project.

“This issue should not be treated with levity. I urge this House to summon the Commissioner and the contractors to explain why these projects remain uncompleted,” he stated.

Hon. Tobun Abiodun suggested enacting legislation that would mandate all administrations to complete projects initiated by their predecessors, preventing future cases of abandoned infrastructure.

Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasunmu stressed that the problem extended beyond Ikorodu, affecting several parts of Lagos. He called for a broader intervention involving the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Legislative Action

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

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The resolution signals a strong commitment from the Lagos Assembly to hold stakeholders accountable and ensure that long-delayed road projects are completed to improve the lives of residents.