By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DEPLORABLE ROADS across Lagos have sparked fresh outrage as lawmakers demand immediate intervention to end the suffering of residents.
At the Lagos State House of Assembly, Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda presided over a heated session where legislators condemned the abandonment of key infrastructure projects, particularly the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
During the sitting, 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-neglected road.
They called for a concrete plan to complete the project while ensuring the security of residents affected by the deteriorating condition of the road network.
A major resolution passed by the House recommended that contractors handling road projects receive an upfront payment of 60 to 70 percent to accelerate completion and prevent further delays.
Lawmakers were also directed to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies for submission to the relevant ministry.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Aro Moshood, who described the hardship Ikorodu residents face due to the abandoned road. “This road has been left in a deplorable state since 2017.
What was meant to bring relief to the people has now become a source of distress, posing serious security and socio-economic challenges,” he said.
He highlighted rising criminal activities linked to the poor condition of the road, including kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye emphasised the road’s strategic importance and its potential to boost economic activities in the area once completed.
Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh expressed disappointment over the prolonged delay. “It is disappointing that a road construction project has been abandoned for over seven years.
“I was part of a committee that inspected ongoing road projects across the state last year, and contractors cited the fluctuating exchange rate as a major challenge,” he said.
Olumoh proposed summoning the contractor to clarify whether they had received funds previously approved by the Assembly.
Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon insisted on decisive government action, calling for both the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and contractors to explain the persistent delays.
“This issue of abandoned road projects should not be treated with levity. I urge this House to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, alongside the contractors, to explain why these projects have stalled,” he stated.
Hon. Tobun Abiodun suggested enacting legislation to ensure that future administrations complete projects initiated by their predecessors, preventing a cycle of unfinished developments.
Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasunmu added that the issue extends beyond Ikorodu, affecting several communities across the state.
“This is not just an Ikorodu problem. It is happening across the state. We need to summon all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, to provide explanations for these abandoned roads,” Kasunmu said.
After extensive deliberations, the House resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors responsible for the projects.
The Lawmakers said they expect a comprehensive report on the status of abandoned road projects across Lagos.
