52 Lagos Rural communities get electricity
IN furtherance of its committment towards the electrification of rural communities in Lagos state, the state government, through the Ministry of Rural Development, has awarded another round of N650 million worth of contract, covering 52 communities.
The communities which are essentially rural, include Ojo Badagry, Ibeju, Lekki, Ikosi, Imota, Agboyi and Alagbado.
Others are Ifako Ijaiye, parts of Eti-Osa, and Erodo in the old Epe local council area of the state.
Speaking exclusively with The Guardian on the project, the commissioner in charge of the ministry, Dr. Tajudeen Tola Kasali said the project is expected to complete within the space of six months.
According to Kasali, mobilisation fund will be given tothe contractors habdling the project any moment from now.
He said the state Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the contract, adding that the next phase of the project will commence immediately after the current one is completed.
The commissioner said the electrification of all the rural settings in the state is paramount to the heart of the Governor. "Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's passion for electrification of rural communities in the state is undiluted. It is a mandate given to the ministry for Rural Development, which no form of excuse would be entertained," said Kasali, adding that it is with the same virgour the miistry is pursuing the project.
Apart from power which the project will facilitate to these communities, it is the beleif of the government that such project will enahnce the economic activities in the area and also add quality to the standard of living of the inhabitants.
Besides, it is the view of government that the prevailing rural-urban drifts, which has been on increase will also be reduced.
According to Kasali, among the reasons while many people are migrating from rural communities to the urban centres is as a result of poor condition of living.
"If the necessary infrastructure are available in these rural areas, not many people who are in the cities today will be there. It is as a result of absence of these infrastructural provisions that make the citis attactive to them. Thus, the springing up of ghettos with its attendant socio-economic problems."
He said it was in realisation of this fact that made the Lagos government to attach serious importance to rural development.
He urged traditional rulers, community development associations and all the stakeholders to see the amentities as their own, adding that right from the onset, they should monitor the project, prevent stealing by the vandals, and take adequate care of them.
"It is one thing for government to provide the needed infrastructure, but is anothe rthing for such items to be protected. Therefore, I implore the communities to take good care of these infrastructure against any form of vandals.
He equally charged the contractors to make sure that quality job is being provided," as government will not hesitate the blacklist any of the who fails to meet the required specification."
