By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia
THE Lagos State House of Assembly has convened a session following a tragic gas explosion the Ajeromi/Ifelodun area of Lagos, resulting in casualties.
Presided over by Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Assembly has directed concerned ministries, departments, and agencies of the government to intensify the enforcement of safety laws aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
During the plenary on Monday, the Assembly tasked the ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as Special Duties, to bolster their efforts to ensure the protection of lives against the sale of combustible substances in residential areas.
Expressing concern over the proliferation of gas shops across the state, the Assembly urged the Lagos State Safety Agency not to compromise on enforcing laws regulating the activities of such outlets.
According to a statement by Eromesele Ebholele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, a recent gas explosion claimed the lives of 15 residents, with at least 35 others sustaining injuries, as reported by Hon Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 2), the representative of the affected constituency at the Lagos Assembly.
The Assembly further appealed to the government to provident to provide support to the victims in the form of relief materials.
Speaker Obasa extended condolences to the affected constituents and stressed the urgency of addressing the issue.
While acknowledging that gas regulation falls under the executive list, he urged the state to find avenues to prevent further tragedies.
Dr. Obasa highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing gas shops and outlets within communities without proper regulations, emphasizing the need for immediate action, instructing the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the House’s resolution to the relevant authorities.
In a separate development, the Assembly commended the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Gbagada General Hospital for their prompt response in handling emergency cases related to the explosion.
Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) lauded the dedication of medical personnel at the two hospitals in their efforts to save the lives of fire accident victims.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts between different arms of government in enhancing healthcare standards in the state, Hon. Elliot emphasized the commendable commitment witnessed in the treatment of victims at LASUTH and Gbagada General Hospital.
Speaker Obasa reiterated the Assembly’s role in recognizing and supporting such commendable endeavours, pledging to commend government agencies for their exemplary performance while also holding them accountable for any shortcomings.
Consequently, the Speaker directed the Clerk to send the letters of commendation to the management of LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital, and the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
