The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Executive arm to urgently address the plight of residents affected by numerous abandoned road projects across the state.
As part of this effort, the House has summoned the Special Adviser for Works and several contractors responsible for the stalled projects.
During a sitting on Monday, presided over by Speaker Mojisola Meranda, lawmakers specifically mentioned the abandoned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA). They called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that HITECH Construction Company resumes work on the project.
Additionally, the Assembly directed all relevant agencies to develop a concrete plan for completing the project while ensuring adequate security measures for residents in the affected community.
The House resolution proposed that contractors should receive an upfront payment of 60% to 70% to facilitate the timely completion of projects.
Speaker Meranda further directed lawmakers to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies and submit them to the appropriate ministry for immediate action.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Aro Moshood, who decried the hardship faced by Ikorodu residents due to the abandoned road project.
“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,” Moshood lamented.
He also highlighted the alarming rate of criminal activities, including kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults, all linked to the poor condition of the road.
Contributing to the debate, Abiodun Ogunleye emphasized the strategic importance of the road, adding that its completion would boost economic activities in the area.
Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticized the prolonged delay, noting that the House had approved funds for the project in the previous year.
*”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.
“This House should invite the contractor handling the project to clarify whether they received the funds approved by this Assembly,”* Olumoh stated.
Legislators Demand Explanation from Contractors and Government Officials
Deputy Chief Whip Sanni Okanlawon insisted on decisive government action, calling on the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and contractors to explain the reasons for the stalled projects.
“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 said.
In a long-term solution proposal, Tobun Abiodun suggested enacting a law mandating all administrations to complete projects initiated by their predecessors, preventing cases of abandoned projects.
Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Kasunmu stressed that the problem extended beyond Ikorodu, affecting multiple locations across Lagos 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 added.
After extensive deliberations, the House unanimously resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to provide a detailed report on the status of abandoned road projects in Lagos State.
