A regime of internationally acceptable standards adopted for construction works is to be observed and implemented by all contractors working with the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, the introduction of the regime was in line with the law establishing the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), an agency charged with the implementation of safety standards in the state.
The commissioner’s position was contained in a statement signed by the ministry’s assistant director, Public Relations, Biola Fagunwa, and made available to LEADERSHIP at the weekend.
While stating that the document of safety standards would be made available to all the contractors, the commissioner also said it was an acceptable practice worldwide that contractors undertaking constructions observed such safety standards.
He said with the introduction of the standard code, contractors were obliged to observe them to ensure the protection of workers and persons who may come in contact with the site/ equipment of such companies.
In a related development, the commissioner stated that 150 manhole covers illegally removed across the state have been replaced by his ministry within the last few months.
According to him, 20 such missing manhole covers have been replaced along the Eko Bridge median and another 26 missing steel covers along Mobloaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja have been replaced. He disclosed further that 104 missing concrete covers along Mobolaji Bank- Anthony Way have also been replaced.
Hamzat explained that there was need for the general public to be more conscious of public infrastructure in their areas as it would go a long way to ensuring durability and safety on the roads.
He reiterated the commitment of the state government to the improvement of infrastructure in the state.
Hamzat decried the use of roads for cooking and car washing, stating that such violations would be viewed seriously.