FERMA begs Nigerians to protect public infrastructure
By Grace Alegba
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has urged Nigerians to actively support the protection of public infrastructure to prevent damage and misuse, thereby avoiding unnecessary financial waste.
During an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Mr Olaniyi Kolawole, Director of East Operations at FERMA Headquarters, emphasised the importance of citizens contributing to the maintenance of smooth roads.
The inspected project involves the “Emergency/Urgent Repairs of Critical Failed Sections between (Anuoluwapo Shopping Complex -Agbara Market), Lagos Bound and (Agbara Market-Ajibade) Badagry bound.”
This falls under the Lagos 2 West Zone and is supervised by Mr. Olisah Emeter, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer (FRME) for the zone.
Kolawole acknowledged the challenges faced by FERMA due to various forms of road abuse, particularly in areas like Agbara Market, where human activities impact the drainage systems.
Despite initiating the “Operation Connect Your Destination” intervention in December 2023, aimed at easing traffic congestion during the Yuletide, FERMA has encountered ongoing issues.
The agency has conducted rehabilitation works and drainage evacuation between Ajibade and Okokomaiko bus stop areas.
Due to limited funds, some work remains incomplete, but FERMA plans to cover drainage channels with slabs to prevent refuse stuffing.
Additionally, FERMA is organising a meeting with community leaders, transport unions, traders, and other stakeholders to address drain stuffing and road abuse.
Kolawole stressed that the money spent on repairs comes from taxpayers, making it crucial for the public to take ownership of government properties and protect them.
He appealed for positive community action, highlighting the impact of refuse on drainage, causing flooding and road damage.
FERMA’s South West 2 Zonal Coordinator, Mr Olayemi Olaniyan, shared plans for 2024 to make all road networks in Lagos and Ogun states motorable.
Intervention projects include major sections of roads, milling, reinstatement, scarification, surfacing of existing routes, and pavement strengthening.
Roads such as Jibowu and Ikorodu dual carriageway, Ijora Olopa, Carter Bridge, Awolowo and Sura-Obalende ramps, and others will receive attention.
Community leaders and road users commended FERMA for ongoing rehabilitation works on the Badagry Expressway, acknowledging improvements in road conditions.
They urged FERMA to complete the rehabilitation of the Ajibade section before the rainy season to prevent flooding and inconvenience to road users.
While motorists praised FERMA for the rehabilitation efforts, they emphasised the need for sustained action to maintain the highway’s motorability. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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