By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it will introduce a short code enabling residents, especially the motoring public to engage and share information on the road.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

“The agency is working on ensuring that we get a short code instead of the long digit that is currently running.

“In the next two to three weeks, our call centre will come up with a short code that will be free, we have done all necessary details, we are just waiting for the final approval with the network provider.

“This is where Lagos residents, especially the motoring public can engage us and give us information,” he said.

He added that presently, machinery and all equipment are being installed for the agency to kick-start the short code.

He pointed out that information expected from residents are, especially on the conduct of officers on the road, emergency situation, information on congestions, feedbacks or any information they deemed fit to pass.

He added that presently in LASTMA’s digital call centre, there are 10 responders and Lagos residents could reach agency in Yoruba, English and vernacular.

He noted that a robust and cordial relationship on issues on the road existed with sister major responders like the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Police, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority and others.

“There is an interagency collaboration that is topnotch and that is how we are able to address emergency and traffic issues in the state,” he said.

Bakare-Oki said that between January and March, the agency received almost 300 calls.

He, however, said there was a short fall, attributing it to the integration of the short code in the agency.

“The system has been experiencing down time because of the integration.

“We give the assurance that in the next two/three weeks, we will be back on board strong and with better service delivery to Lagos residents,” he said. (NAN)