The Lagos Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant agencies to address the illegal activities of scavengers and the escalating issue of manhole theft.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) moved a motion highlighting these concerns. He acknowledged the government’s strides in providing critical infrastructure, including roads with underground ducts, bridges with safety rails, and functional drainage systems.
“These projects aim to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and mitigate flooding for Lagos residents,” Yishawu explained. However, he expressed alarm over rising vandalism, such as manhole theft, pedestrian bridge railings removal, and cable theft.
Lagos Assembly Stresses Urgent Measures for Infrastructure Protection
Yishawu warned that unchecked vandalism poses severe risks, including road accidents, drainage blockages, and setbacks in infrastructural development. “If left unaddressed, these activities will compromise public safety and development efforts,” he stated.
Speaker Mojisola Meranda highlighted the critical need for vigilance. She called on Lagosians to act as whistle blowers and urged the government to sensitise the public about waste separation and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Lagos Assembly Discusses Ban on Scavenging Activities
Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere, decried widespread manhole theft, attributing it to unchecked scavenger activities. He proposed a complete ban on scavenging across Lagos State.
Similarly, Kehinde Joseph shared tragic incidents in Alimosho, including the death of a House of Representatives member’s son due to an open manhole. He stressed enforcing existing laws to prevent such tragedies.
Youth Engagement and Public Sensitisation Proposed by Lagos Assembly
Bonu Solomon suggested activating youth-focused initiatives to reduce idleness and prevent vandalism. Meanwhile, Aro Moshood encouraged residents to protect public infrastructure actively.
The Lagos Assembly directed the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to enforce the Environmental Management Protection Law of 2017. The enforcement includes applying sanctions against scavengers and unauthorized waste collectors.
Lagos Assembly Recommends Practical Solutions to Curb Manhole Theft
To address manhole theft effectively, the Lagos Assembly proposed replacing stolen covers with glass-reinforced plastic. This material has minimal resale value, discouraging theft. Additionally, the Assembly called for regulating scrap metal collection and sanctioning unlicensed dealers.
The Ministry of Information and Strategy was urged to launch campaigns on manhole theft’s dangers, public vigilance, and whistleblowing systems. The Assembly also demanded the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in vandalism.
