The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has utilised mahogany and iroko wood to construct flood drain covers to stop the persistent problem of metal manhole cover theft at BRT laybys across the state.
LAMATA revealed this in a video posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that this strategic shift away from metal aims to eliminate the incentive for theft, ensuring the safety and functionality of the drainage systems along the busy bus corridors.
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The post also stated that this move is expected to provide a more sustainable and secure solution for commuters and infrastructure alike.
Kemi Ochei from the Public Transport Roads department said previously, drains were covered using steel gratings, and people cast and steal them because they have commercial value.
“We devised another method and started using fiber composite material, and the same thing happened to them because they look like steel, so they thought they had values, scattered them away, exposing passengers to hazard, not even minding the risk.
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“So we have devised another means of using wood, treated wood. We finish it well and use it as a cover at the bus stops,” Ochei said.
“We believe this will sustain the test of time, and negotiations will protect this one. Let’s join hands together as we protect public infrastructure,” she added.
