A lawmaker, Prince Sesi Whingah, has urged the Federal Ministry of Works, and the contractors involved, to accelerate completion of the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Whingah, lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the call in a statement on Monday, in Bagagry.
The statement was issued by his media aide, Mr Peter Dansu, against the backdrop of an accident in the area on Sunday, which has so far claimed 15 lives.
Whingah said the completion would facilitate the reopening of both sides of the highway for vehicular movement, and reduce such accidents.
Recall that five members of a family, on Feb. 13, were also feared dead in an auto crash in the same Agemowo axis of the expressway where the Sunday accident occurred.
Whingah said the news of the Sunday crash, with reports indicating a significant number of lives lost, and some injuries, was shocking to him.
“This is truly disheartening, while it is not the first accident since the reconstruction of the road began years ago.
“We have witnessed a disturbing frequency of auto crashes, often caused by reckless driving or speeding.
“Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the construction of the Lagos- Badagry Expressway had been completed promptly.
“Prior to this incident, I have been in constant communication with the relevant government authorities and contractors, stressing the urgent need to expedite the reconstruction process.
“Opening up the Badagry Federal Constituency to development and economic growth has been a key priority.
“Little did we know that such a tragic accident would occur,” he said
The lawmaker said he was personally committed to visiting the Federal Ministry of Works and, if possible, meeting with the contractors to emphasise the urgency of the matter.
“It is crucial to address this issue promptly in order to prevent or minimise the recurrence of such incidents.
“This unfortunate occurrence is something we all wish to forget,” he said.
He commiserated with families of passengers who lost the lives in the accident, which involved a Mazda commercial bus and a truck.
The lawmaker prayed that the families should find strength and comfort during the difficult time.
