LASG vows to unlock traffic gridlock within metropolis

…Expreses Satisfaction With Compliance By Transporters

AgegePulse Magazine

As the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Lagos State Government to trade and transport unions expired yesterday, the State Government has expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the traffic laws by the traders and motor unions at Oyingbo and Iddo axis.

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who led other top government officials to Oyingbo/Otto/Iddo axis to monitor the level of compliance, stated that there was an appreciable level of success in the efforts to eradicate chaotic traffic in the area, urging transporters to continue in that direction so as to free the metropolis of traffic gridlock as soon as possible.

He explained that there would be regular monitoring and engagement of all relevant stakeholders to ensure total compliance with the State traffic laws and achieve ease in traffic flow as agreed at the Stakeholders meeting on Traffic Management Intervention Plan across Lagos.

Dr. Oladeinde expressed displeasure that most of the traffic gridlocks experienced in the 60 identified locations were caused by various human activities occasioned by their non-compliance with the Law.

Accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa and other top government officials, the Commissioner stated that the government would consolidate on the success achieved at Oyingbo to ensure compliance in other identified locations.

At Otto Railway line in Oyingbo, the residents blocked the drainage channel with filth which compelled the Commissioner to give a 24-hour ultimatum to residents of the area to clear the drains or face the wrath of the law.

He said that constant blockage of drainage channels and erection of illegal structures and shanties on waterways is responsible for frequent floods, warning that the State Government would not condone any form of illegality capable of undermining government’s efforts at delivering good governance to the residents.

“When you block drainage channels just as you have done here, everywhere becomes flooded, because you have hindered free flow of water in this area by dumping your refuse into the drains; you have made the whole of this axis prone to flooding, we hereby give you 24 hours to de-silt this drain or face the Law”, Oladeinde declared.

The Commissioner condemned the illegal activities of commercial motorcyclists popularly know as Okada in the area and warned that the State Government will no longer condone their excesses.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka warned  that any vehicle, motorcycle and tricycle caught obstructing free flow of  traffic through illegal parking will be removed by relevant enforcement bodies, adding that the Ministry will be partnering with the Local Government Chairmen across the State to unlock the identified gridlock- points.

While commending leaders of trade and road unions at Oyingbo for ensuring compliance, Oladeinde appealed to Lagosians to bear with the State Government and assured that ongoing road rehabilitation across the State would soon improve the traffic situation in the metropolis.