Economic Hardship: Gov. Sanwo-Olu directs civil servants to work 3-day a week, reduces BRT fare by 25%
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that effective from next week, Lagos civil servants from Level 1-13 would begin to work for three days a week, while level 15-17 would work for four days as a forms of relief measure taken by the state government to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.
The governor also announced 25% reduction in fares on the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT and train services as part of measures to help Lagos residents cope with the harsh economy.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who made the announcement in a live media chat held at the Lagos House, Marina.
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The governor also announced free delivery for pregnant women at all the general hospitals in the state.
Speaking on the high cost of foodstuff, the governor said 100 trailer loads of rice were on their way to Lagos, while plans have been concluded with to operate 42 Sunday markets in partnership with market owners across the state to sell food at cheaper rates. He however said the total amount of food an individual can purchase would be pegged at N35,000 with 25% discount.
He also said some food vendors had been identified to serve as soup kitchens where between 1,000 and 1,500 people could eat one free meal per day until things get better.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the private sector to also look into their schedule to stagger the days their workers come to work to reduce the burden on them.
He assured Lagos residents that the situation would not last forever and called on them to be resilient and support the government.
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Sanwo-Olu admitted that governing Lagos have been a herculean task for him with various challenges his administration faced during his first term in office such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the EndSARS unrest, among other issues.
He however expressed determination to continue ‘doing the best for the state.
On the issue of demolition of some buildings built on canals by the government, he disuade the action having any tribal colouration, adding that ‘ people deliberately built on right of way’.
He promised that the government would not relent in doing the needful and urged Lagosians ‘to obey the rules.’