By RUKAYAT MOISEMHE

The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), has backed up the Lagos State Government’s reintroduction of the E-Call Up system set to become operational from June 16, along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Alhaji Sulyman Bello, President, LERSA, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, in Lagos.

NAN reports that the E-Call-Up system is a scheduling platform that controls when and how trucks gain access to loading points.

Bello said that the implementation of the E-Call Up system was an emergency antidote, which could not be subjected to any more delay.

According to him, the initiative is highly beneficial to the safety of lives, properties, businesses and infrastructure across the Lekki Epe corridor.

He said the system, which regulated the movement of articulated trucks and tankers, would prevent return of chaotic traffic and infrastructure strain previously witnessed in the Lekki-Epe corridor.

He said that the E-Call Up system would also nullify the repeat of the terrifying Apapa experiences in the location.

“It has to be emphasised that our children, wards, spouses, neighbours and stakeholders would have been at the terrible receiving end of unregulated truck/tankers operations within the Lekki Peninsula.

“We, therefore, commend Gov. Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos state transport ministry for the bold initiative which will benefit residents, businesses and stakeholders,” he said.

Bello said that the association was strongly opposed to any manifest or clandestine attempts to undermine, sabotage or otherwise frustrate the noble initiative.

He said that the E-Call Up system was designed to keep residents of the Lekki Peninsula safe.

He said that residents have had to contend with the increased trucking activities with corresponding upsurge in road accidents and pollution of the environment.

Bello said he that trucking activities had also led to unwarranted damage to public infrastructures and incessant traffic gridlock running into several hours with attendant loss of revenue and productivity.

“Having children in school buses spend three hours in the morning and four hours on the homeward journey has become a reality that perpetually saddens parents and other residents of the Lekki Peninsula.

“The health and safety of Lekki residents and commuters must never be compromised.

“This initiative is long overdue, but its success hinges on decisive and inclusive implementation,” he said.

Bello urged partners in the logistics and petroleum sectors to embrace dialogue over disruption to enhance its successful implementation.

He implored all stakeholders and parties to allow its implementation to proceed as scheduled on June 16, even as dialogue on any grey areas continued.

“Without any shred of doubt, the implementation of the E-Call Up system is an emergency antidote, which cannot be subjected to any more delay.

“The association pledges its continued commitment to engaging all stakeholders to ensure a safe, efficient, and economically viable transportation ecosystem within the Lekki-Epe axis,” he said. (NAN)