By Monsuru Olowopejo

LAGOS—THE Lagos State government, yesterday, disclosed that it has acquired a helicopter and other multi-billion naira rescue equipment to reduce losses often recorded during disasters and other emergencies in the state.

Akinwunmi Ambode

The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management, LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, disclosed the list of procured equipment at the 2018 Quarterly Stakeholders meeting held in Ikeja.

Tiamiyu said: “The chopper has been acquired but there are other things that have to take place like branding, training and the route plan. That is already ongoing. I have seen the chopper myself; it was flown into Government House last week. By the time we begin to operate it, it means we can reach the innermost part of Lagos and bring people out to safety.

“Aside from this, there are many rescue equipment that have been acquired.   As we speak, we have taken delivery of two new excavators which will help in demolishing shanties and clearing the canal drainages. Also, there is a particular canal on Lagos Island that has been blocked. We are already clearing the canals with our equipment to ensure the safety of life of the residents.”

Tiamiyu said that move was meant to improve the response time and direct the emergency responders to the scene of the incident on time.

He said: “We will be launching our telecommunication services hopefully by October. At our  centres, we have already started hoisting the mast and we will be able to communicate with the use of walkie-talkie while our vehicles, anywhere in the state, will be connected to enable them direct incident scene better.”

“The fire and ambulance service will also get that benefit very soon. When we can reach others anytime, it means we all can communicate effectively and help Lagosians better.”