Lagos Assembly Laments Activities Of Scavengers, Manhole Theft

Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday decried the activities of scavengers in the Lagos metropolis, which has resulted in unbridled manhole theft, urging the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to reactivate relevant laws to arrest the trend to save the lives of the residents.

The House passed the resolution following a motion moved by Hon Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II), noting that violators involved in the theft and vandalism of manhole covers and other public infrastructure should face the full wrath of the law.

This House: “notes the relentless efforts of the Lagos State government in providing critical social infrastructure aimed at fulfilling electoral promises, delivering the dividends of democracy, and improving the welfare of its citizenry.

“Further notes that this House has enacted various laws, including the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Ch. C17, 2015 and Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017, to protect and maintain the infrastructure provided by the government across the state.

“Observes that these infrastructure, including the construction of roads with underground ducts, iron-cast manhole covers and bridges with steel safety rails amongst others, are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing safety for road users and reducing traffic congestion on highways.”

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It also meant “preventing the loss of productive man-hours, installing drainage systems to prevent flooding, and improving the overall road network system in the state.

The House “is concerned about the growing menace of scavengers and criminally minded individuals who, through their activities, vandalise and steal critical infrastructure such as manhole covers, pedestrian bridge railings, streetlight cables, and other essential road furniture.

The House, therefore, called on the state governor to direct the Commissioner of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, to: “enforce the provisions of the Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017 to ensure that appropriate sanctions are applied against scavenging-related violations and unauthorised chart pushing;

The House also asked the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, to “Embark on awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of manhole theft and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.”

The Speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, stated in her submission, “We all need to protect our properties. The role of whistleblowers to safeguard government properties should be factored in.”