Apparently complying with ministerial directive that open man-holes that dot Federal roads in Lagos should be closed without further delay, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA has commenced the closure of open man-holes in the state.

This was disclosed to newsmen by the new Zonal Coordinator of the Agency in Lagos,  Mr. Oladipo Oladele Fagbamila, an engineer.

Manhole without cover on one of Lagos roads

According to Fagbamila, the need to close all the open man-holes on Federal roads in the state became imperative  to save the lives of motorists and commuters who ply these roads.

He  pointed out that a novel idea had been introduced to the development in place of the aluminum covers hitherto used for covering the man-holes. He said concrete slabs have been introduced.

The measure it was learnt, is to minimize the rate of theft as the former covers which were made of aluminum were easily vandalized by unknown persons. The introduction of concrete slabs as covers for the man-holes would apart from lessening the rate of theft; also ensure longevity for the slabs.

The Zonal Coordinator said personnel of the agency had commenced the closure of open man-holes along the Old Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway from the Ile Zik end up till Abule-Egba.

Fagbamila who said the closure of man-holes is in line with the policy thrust of the new administration of Gabriel Amuchi, the managing director of the agency, further noted that certain measures were being put in place to ensure that FERMA’s activities were noticed in all the nooks and crannies of the state.