10th August, 2011
The Lagos State government has provided new lids for 150 manholes whose covers have been illegally removed by vandals across Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
The
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, who disclosed this, said that in the last few months, the state government has gone round the state to cover up manholes whose lids had been removed by unscrupulous people.
According to him, 20 such missing manhole covers had been replaced on the Eko Bridge median and another 26 missing steel covers on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, have been replaced.
He disclosed further that 104 missing concrete covers on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way had also been replaced.
Hamzat explained that there was the need for the public to be mindful of and protect public infrastructure in their areas, adding that such would go a long way to ensure durability and safety on the roads.
He reiterated the commitment of the state government to ensuring the improvement of infrastructure in the state.
Hamzat decries cooking and car washing of cars on the roads, stating that such acts would now be viewed seriously.
On contractors handling the state’s projects, the commissioner said an internationally acceptable standard adopted for construction works is to be observed by all contractors working with the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
He stated that the introduction of the guidelines was in line with the law establishing the Lagos State Safety Commission, an agency set up to see to the implementation of safety standards across the state.
While stating that the document on safety standards would be made available to all the contractors, the commissioner said it is the practice worldwide that contractors undertaking constructions observed such safety standards.
He enjoined contractors to observe the guidelines to ensure the safety of workers and persons who may come in contact with the site and equipment of such companies.