Lagos plans technology-driven traffic management

Says N18.55b lost to fire in one year

As part of efforts towards reducing the number of hours and resources lost to traffic gridlock by residents in Lagos State, LASTMA has disclosed that plans are afoot to introduce a technology driven traffic control system.

Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, Chris Olakpe who made this known in lecture titled: LASMA: “Towards a Functional Lagos” delivered at the 7th edition of LG News dinner and awards held in Lagos said the initiative when operational, would serve as measure to move from the old paradigm to a more dynamic and result-oriented approach to traffic management in the state. He stated that more area commands are been created for more effective performance, deployment of 100 branded KIA vehicles to field officers, public enlightenment of drivers and motorists on proper use of highways, installation of traffic control devices on the highways and training of staff as measures put in place to boost free flow of traffic by the agency.

In an another lecture titled: “The Role Of Public in Fire Safety Delivery”, the Director of Fire Service, Lagos State, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, disclosed that between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2016, an estimated property worth of N18.55billion were lost to fire, N111.3billion, estimated property were saved, 128 victims were rescued alive, while 93 victims were recovered suspected dead.

In addition, he said 11 cases of collapsed buildings were recorded, 144rescue calls received, 1,545 fire calls recived while about 155 false call were also received by the service.

Represented by the Officer in charge of Area ‘M’ Command, Ikeja, Commander Onabanjo Adegbayi, the LASTMA boss said the seamless traffic recorded in recent time in Lagos, was made manifest through the instrumentality of ‘Operation Keep Moving’, visibility and accessibility which is one of the nine-point agenda of the agency.

“The agency knows the role of enforcement in traffic management operations. We have ensured a regime of strict enforcement of traffic laws with an implementation strategy of ‘apprehend, impound, prosecute and impose fine’. In the agency’s enforcement drives, fair play and voluntary compliance are encouraged. Only the recalcitrant serial offenders and non-conformists are dealt with according to extant laws”, he said.

Fadipe who was represented by the Spokesman of the service, Mr. Amodu Shakiru said in combating fire, members of public have important roles to play stressing that if they call the Service immediately during Fire or other related emergency, it will go a long way to enhance prompt response and attention.

“Fire is a very good friend when it is still under control and it can become the greatest enemy when it escalates. Think about the destruction it can cause to both lives and property, think about the aftermath effects of fire and educate your families and neighbours to be fire safety conscious always”, he said.

In her submissions, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEC), Dr. Oluremi Sopeyin represented by the Secretary of the board, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja in the last one year the state government has provided funds to fill 31 inclusive units so that children with challenge would be encouraged to come out of their shells and access quality education while about 1,300 teachers were recently recruited to argument the dearth of teachers that are statutorily retiring from service.

She said new infrastructures have been provided with about 21 new constructions while modalities are been worked out to encourage Public/Private partnership in the provision of infrastructures for schools pointing out that computer centres have been built to promote theory and practical aspects of Information and Communication Technology.

In his remarks, the convener, Mr. Tunde Jaknde said the event was organised to bring together technocrats and heads of agencies in Lagos to rub minds on how to further develop the state as well as keep the people informed on government efforts at providing effective and efficient services to them.