Your Excellency,
I write this open letter as a concerned Lagosian and a stakeholder in the collective progress of our dear state.
First, I must sincerely commend your administration for the giant strides recorded in the provision of solar powered street lights across major roads in Lagos State. This initiative has greatly improved night time visibility, enhanced aesthetics, and contributed positively to security and economic activities. It is a thoughtful and forward looking project that truly deserves commendation.
However, while applauding this laudable achievement, I wish to respectfully draw your attention to a growing concern regarding the security and durability of these solar light poles, particularly against reckless human actions.
Permit me to cite a few real life examples.
On the Ipaja Ayobo route, during the previous Light Up Lagos initiative, articulated vehicles, especially timber lorries coming from Ayetoro, were responsible for pulling down almost 90 percent of the light poles along that corridor.
Sadly, the remaining ones did not survive either, as some overnight club returnees, often under the influence of alcohol, vandalized or knocked down the rest.
A similar situation has been witnessed along Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, among other areas.
Your Excellency, it is common knowledge that solar street light poles are significantly more expensive than conventional electric street lights. Replacing them repeatedly due to vandalism or reckless driving places an unnecessary financial burden on the government and, by extension, the taxpayers.
This raises an important question.
Has provision been made to track, identify, and hold accountable individuals or vehicles responsible whenever these poles are damaged or destroyed? Without accountability, this noble project risks becoming unsustainable.
In this regard, I humbly make the following suggestions for your kind consideration.
There should be the installation of CCTV cameras or smart monitoring systems in strategic locations along major roads where these solar lights are installed.
There should also be dedicated surveillance by non police security outfits or traffic enforcement units, as experience has shown that reliance solely on police officers may sometimes lead to compromises, where offenders are released after monetary settlements, leaving the government to bear the cost of repairs.
Furthermore, there should be strict liability enforcement, ensuring that offenders, whether drivers, companies, or individuals, are made to pay for damages caused.
Your Excellency, Lagos State is a model for others to follow. Protecting public infrastructure is as important as providing it. With proper monitoring and enforcement, this solar lighting initiative can stand the test of time and continue to serve generations of Lagosians.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the development of Lagos State. I trust that this concern will receive the attention it deserves.
Yours faithfully,
Pius Ade Babaleye Pab
A Concerned Lagosian
