•By Dare Ojelade
The Lagos State Government will on Monday, 3 February, 2020, roll out 65 additional buses for new and old routes in the state for passengers as a palliative measure to cushion the negative effects of the restriction of motorcycles and tricycles from operating in 15 local council areas in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Sunday, 2 February, 2020, in a statement made available to journalists.
The Gazelle News.com can report that the Commissioner also stated that the state government would on Tuesday, 4 February, 2020, roll out 14 ferries various routes on the waterways. “This will open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternative for commuters,” the Commissioner said.
Omotoso further stated that the state government is still expecting additional 550 buses to complement the one currently in operation and further ease transportation in the state.
The government further heaped praises on motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state for complying with the restriction order from operating in 15 councils in the state.
“The level of compliance was over 90 percent. In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable. The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government.
“The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out,” the government said.
The Gazelle News.com can also report that the Commissioner stated that the state government, aware of that the restriction may lead to job losses, the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order, besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.
The government warned all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart.
“Lagosians are peace loving and law abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism. The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands. The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians. It will not fail to act when peace is threatened,” the Commissioner warned.
Copyright: The Gazelle News.com
