TO check "indiscriminate" construction of fuel stations in Ogun State, the government Thursday placed embargo on establishment of more of such stations just as it urged prompt release of fund for the Lagos-Ibadan road project.
Also, in a move to check building collapse, the government is set to establish "laboratories" to test all building materials, including soil on which buildings are constructed.
The Commissioner for the newly created Ministry of Physical Planning, Mr. Adebayo Fari who spoke in Abeokuta on behalf of the government at a press briefing disclosed that many fuel stations had been established in unauthorised locations within the cities thereby posing serious danger to members of the public.
The Commissioner who stated that the action was part of the government's urban renewal programme, however, explained that anyone who intends to set up a fuel station can "apply to us and all applications will be purely considered on merit".
"Embargo has been placed on construction of new filling stations in the state. We view with concern the high rate of filling stations springing up everywhere. Those with genuine papers will be reconsidered, but we have directed that embargo should be placed on the construction of filling stations for now."
Fari said the government did not intend to change the "character" of the cities in the state, " so we will not demolish the slums, instead we will embark on community renewal" which will include roofing the houses at such slums at government cost.
The state government commended the Federal Government for its decision to expedite action on the reconstruction of the 106 Kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the government said the decision of the Federal Government to revoke the concession agreement and re-award the contract to two construction firms was an indication that it agreed that the road deserves better attention than it was getting.
"We however would like to further urge that there is need for prompt release of adequate funds to enable the new contractors complete their work on time so as to minimize the inconveniences that the construction will cause for the numerous users of this very important road."
The state government also expressed its readiness to partner with the federal government to ensure that the road is completed on schedule.
