The Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Justice, Ethics, and Public Petitions has stepped in to address the worsening environmental conditions in parts of Ifo II State Constituency following complaints from residents over the impact of a Lagos State water pipeline project.
The intervention followed a petition submitted by the Baale Akinosi Area Community Development Council, which accused the Lagos State Government and its contractor, Salini Nigeria Limited, of environmental degradation across communities along Akute, Baale, Alausa, and Oke-Aro axis due to ongoing pipeline installations.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oluseun Adesanya, led the interface with key stakeholders on the matter at the Assembly complex on Thursday.
He lamented the hardship faced by residents due to stagnant water, damaged roads, and lack of drainage resulting from the project.
“The situation has gone beyond tolerable. The affected communities are suffering, and urgent steps must be taken to address their concerns.”
“We are calling on the Lagos State Government and Salini Nigeria Limited to construct proper drainage, evacuate stagnant water, and asphalt the pipeline route,” Hon. Adesanya said.
Representatives of the Lagos State Government present at the session included Engr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Olajide, a former Permanent Secretary in Ogun State; Mr. Olanrewaju Fashola; and Engineer Murtala Lawal. Also present was Daniele Cifola, a representative of the contractor handling the project.
Hon. Adesanya charged them to ensure that the issues raised are addressed without delay, stressing that the ongoing suffering of residents in the affected communities cannot be overlooked.
The lawmakers who joined the engagement, including Honourables Folawewo Salami, Dickson Awolaja, and Babatunde Tella, backed the committee chairman’s position.
They agreed on the need to invite more stakeholders to a follow-up session. These include representatives of the Ogun State Ministries of Environment, Works and Infrastructure, and Water Resources, as well as officials from the Lagos Adiyan Waterworks and Salini Nigeria Limited.
The lawmakers reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of constituents, especially in cases where inter-state projects negatively impact local communities.
