BY Charles Kumolu
FEDERAL Comptroller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Ejike Mgbemena, yesterday, dismissed claims that Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has failed at maintaining federal roads in Lagos State, saying the agency had invested much in the state.

Mgbemena, who disclosed this to Vanguard noted that there was nothing wrong with roads in the state.

He said: “What is wrong with roads in Lagos? FERMA had invested much in Lagos.”
This is coming at a time when some portions of federal roads in the state, especially at Berger Bus Stop on Apapa/Oshodi expressway  have collapsed.

Meanwhile, the  Executive Chairman of Lagos State Public Works Corporation, LSPWC, Mr. Gbenga Akintola, has disclosed that despite the neglect of the roads, the state would not relent in maintaining them for the benefit of Lagosians.

He said: “We have not relented in the face of federal neglect. We have about 17 federal roads where we have made meaningful impact. And they are there for anyone to see.

“The work we did on these roads are world class jobs. Yes, Lagos State is benefitting from the tax regime, but the areas we have intervened justifies that. Recently we worked three nights on Ikorodu road to make sure that the place is motorable.”

Akintola added: “I will say that FERMA’s contribution to our effort is  minute, because the way they access their fund is also a challenge because of bureaucratic practices.

“Before they can access that fund another portion of the road they want to fix will go bad. Their response time has not been commendable and that is why all the roads under their jurisdiction appear as if they are not doing anything.

“If they had actually been complementing us adequately, there would not be problem about maintenance of federal roads in Lagos State.”