Oyo assembly frowns at indiscriminate construction of filling stations
The Oyo State House of Assembly has frowned at the indiscriminate construction of fuel stations in hazardous locations across the state.
This followed a motion by Mr Segun Ajanaku (APC- Ibadan South West II) during the plenary session on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Ajanaku, who is the Chairman House Committee on Parliamentary Matters, said that the increasing number of petrol stations in uncertified locations posed a threat to lives and properties of residents in the state.
“Many of these indiscriminately erected petrol stations contravene town planning laws, and in essence, the aesthetics of our cities are gradually being eroded.
“The location of many of these fuel stations affects free flow of traffic, leading to waste and loss of precious time of road users, and is sometimes responsible for road accidents.
“We are further concerned that some that are located close to densely populated residential areas and schools could trigger fire outbreak,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Musa Abdul-Wasi (APC-Saki West) said that the house should direct the committee on environment to visit some of the affected petrol stations as part of its oversight functions.
He said that the house could not be indifferent to issues that affect the lives of those who elected them into office.
The speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo (APC-Ibarapa East), called on the Ministry of Lands, Urban Development and Physical Planning to ensure that filling stations were constructed and operated in compliance with required standards.
He also directed that the management of petrol stations who contravened town planning laws should be sanctioned accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Residents Registration Agency Bill 2016 has scaled its second reading.
Mr Bolaji Badmus (APC-Akinyele II) said that the bill would help to integrate the residents of the state into a database for socio-economic planning.
Badmus said that this would help drive the dwindling revenue of the state and ensure that taxes are paid by the residents.
Source: Vanguardngr.Com