The Lagos State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over the lack of safety measures in the distribution and sale of cooking gas within communities and called on appropriate authorities to address the problem.
The call came on the heels of a gas explosion in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun area of Lagos that resulted in the death of 15 residents with at least 35 others sustaining injuries.
During a plenary on Monday, the speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, tasked two ministries – Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as Special Duties – to up their responsibilities to ensure the safety of residents in areas where flammable substances are sold.
In a statement by the chief press secretary to Speaker Obasa, Eromosele Ebhomele, it was noted that the House frowned against the proliferation of gas shops across the state and asked the Lagos State Safety Agency to be strict with enforcement of laws regulating the activities of such outlets.
The House urged the government to support the victims through relief materials.
Obasa sympathised with the affected constituents and emphasised the need to address the issue.
He acknowledged that gas regulation falls under the ‘exclusive list’, but urged the state to find a way around it to prevent further tragedies.
“Having gas shops and outlets within the community without proper regulations must be looked into. It calls for concern and we must look for a way out,” Dr. Obasa said as he directed the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the Assembly commended the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Gbagada General Hospital for their swift handling of emergency cases brought to the facilities.
Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) said he witnessed how medical personnel at the two hospitals battled to save the lives of fire accident victims recently.
“Our health sector should be commended,” he said while acknowledging the collaboration between arms of government resulting in elevated healthcare standards in the state.
“The commitment and dedication I witnessed in the handling of fire victims at LASUTH and the Gbagada General Hospital are encouraging, reflecting a system where all hands were indeed on deck.
“When I got to the wards, I met over nine doctors and nurses attending to the victims at the LASUTH. I saw the same thing at the Gbagada General Hospital,” he said.
In reaction, Obasa directed the Clerk to forward letters of commendation to the management of LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital and the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
