Lagos Assembly Urges Sanwo-Olu to Enforce Laws Against Manhole Cover Theft

Lagos Assembly Urges Sanwo-Olu to Enforce Laws Against Manhole Cover Theft

By Fly Cable News

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce environmental laws to address the rampant theft of manhole covers and illegal waste sourcing by scavengers.

During a session led by Gbolahon Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), lawmakers discussed the environmental damage and financial burden caused by these activities. Yishawu emphasized the importance of manholes on Lagos roads and urged the government to replace stolen covers to prevent accidents and further damage to infrastructure.

The Assembly proposed several measures, including:
Enforcing existing environmental laws.
Educating Lagosians on waste sourcing and recycling.
Registering scavengers and scrap dealers through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Introducing whistle-blowing strategies and community involvement to curb illegal activities.
Enhancing road security with streetlights and CCTV cameras.

Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) and other lawmakers echoed the need for stricter measures, including removing destitute individuals who may turn to scavenging and prosecuting offenders.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda urged Lagosians to take an active role as whistleblowers while the government intensifies efforts to tackle the issue. She highlighted the importance of distinguishing recycling efforts from theft of state infrastructure.