The Lagos State Government has initiated repairs on a hazardous open manhole along the Ikeja axis leading to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This action comes less than 24 hours after public outcry, amplified by a viral video. On Sunday, Olufemi Daramola, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed that mobilization of government agencies occurred overnight to address the situation.
During the site visit, Daramola expressed gratitude to the citizen who raised the alarm and emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting such hazards. The government has seen similar incidents of vandalism affecting road infrastructure throughout Lagos, including at Ogudu bridge.
The urgency to repair the manhole followed civic action by broadcast journalist Deji Badmus, who erected a billboard inside the manhole to draw attention to the danger. Badmus reported that the manhole had been exposed for approximately three months, posing a significant risk to motorists.
As of Sunday, the government has begun covering the manhole, generating hopes for the repair of other unsafe locations across the city. The ongoing issue of stolen manhole covers has also drawn attention from lawmakers, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure public safety.
- Why it matters:
– The prompt repair of public infrastructure can improve safety for commuters and reduce accidents.
– Community involvement may lead to faster government responses to public hazards. - The latest:
– Repairs on the manhole commenced following civic activism, with updates showing officials at the site covering the hazard.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/819438-lagos-govt-speaks-fixing-open-manhole-after-viral-video-after-public-outcry.html
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/819438-lagos-govt-speaks-fixing-open-manhole-after-viral-video-after-public-outcry.html