The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the state government to take decisive action against scavengers and the escalating incidents of manhole theft, describing the situation as a significant threat to public safety and infrastructure.
During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, lawmakers called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources to enforce the Environmental Management Protection Law of 2017 and impose strict sanctions on offenders.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, brought the matter to the floor, emphasizing the substantial investments made by the government in infrastructure, including underground ducts, iron-cast manhole covers, and steel safety rails on bridges.
He underscored the critical role these facilities play in ensuring public safety, reducing traffic congestion, preventing flooding, and enhancing Lagos’ road network.
“If this trend is not promptly addressed, the destruction of essential infrastructure, increased road accidents from open manholes, and blocked drainage systems leading to flooding will severely hinder the state’s development efforts,” Yishawu cautioned.
To combat the issue, the Assembly proposed replacing stolen manhole covers with composite materials like glass-reinforced plastic, which have minimal resale value.
Lawmakers also advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of manhole theft and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.
Additional recommendations by the lawmakers included establishing a whistleblower program to aid in apprehending perpetrators and forming neighborhood groups to safeguard public infrastructure.
The Assembly also called on law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal scavenging operations, arrest offenders involved in vandalism and theft, and ensure they face stringent legal consequences.
