By Egbodo Queen
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to power distribution companies (DisCos) operating within its jurisdiction, cautioning against unauthorized excavation of soil for their infrastructure projects.
This decisive stance was revealed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Authority (LASIMRA), Oyekanmi Eleguchi, during a briefing with journalists at his office in Ikeja on Wednesday.
Eleguchi underscored the government’s commitment to cracking down on DisCos that embark on land excavation activities without obtaining the requisite approvals from relevant regulatory agencies.
The move comes in response to reports indicating that certain DisCos have been clandestinely setting up infrastructure across the state without adhering to regulatory protocols.
Related Posts
LASIMRA, as the regulatory body tasked with overseeing public utility infrastructure, including fiber optic cables and other facilities in public spaces, is spearheading the enforcement efforts.
Eleguchi emphasized the need for a coordinated approach involving stakeholders to address the challenges posed by unauthorized excavation activities by DisCos.
“Our focus is on preventing illegal excavation, and we will convene a stakeholder meeting later this year to address this issue,” stated Eleguchi.
“We operate with zero tolerance for infractions, ensuring that all processes are conducted in accordance with established guidelines to maintain order and prevent chaos.”
Highlighting the government’s resolve to uphold regulatory standards, Eleguchi outlined plans to adopt a “naming and shaming” approach to hold erring companies accountable for their actions.
He emphasized the importance of obtaining proper permits before commencing excavation projects, stressing the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while safeguarding public interests.
