By Mosope Kehide
In a bid to curb the rising incidents of vandalism and theft of public and private infrastructure, Oyo Assembly member representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, Mr Dawood Olalere has moved a motion for regulation of the activities of metal scavengers, commonly known as “Boola”.
The motion was presented during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin.
Presenting the motion, Mr Olalere noted that, the scavengers have been implicated in the theft and destruction of critical utilities, including streetlights, road signposts, electrical installations, railway tracks, and security barriers, posing significant risks to public safety and economic stability.
“In their relentless search for scrap metal, these scavengers have been implicated in the theft and destruction of critical utilities, posing significant risks to public safety and economic stability,” the motion reads.
Mr Olalere further observed that the indiscriminate activities of these scavengers have disrupted communities and businesses, particularly those in the Blacksmith, Welder, and Iron Sellers Association, have repeatedly raised concerns over the severe economic losses caused by the unchecked operations of scavengers.
“Many residents lament that reporting the activities of ‘Bola’ boys to the police no longer yields results, as offenders are often released without consequences or are seen in close interactions with law enforcement officials,” the motion notes.
To address this menace, the lawmaker urges the Executive Arm of Government to take measures, including regulating the activities of scrap metal dealers and establishing designated collection centres for scrap materials.
He also called on the Committees on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, and Security and Strategies to interface with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, to proffer sustainable solutions to the activities of scavengers.
During the plenary, the House approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to issue a bond for the remodelling of the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan.
The decision was made after the Governor’s letter of request was read on the floor of the House by Speaker Mr Adebo Ogundoyin.
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