LASTMA in re-engineering process

APRIL 30, 2013 BY SAMUEL AWOYINFA


The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has been making efforts to re-invent itself despite the existence of some black sheep in its fold.

Ensuring free traffic flow in a megacity like Lagos is a daunting task, but many believe that LASTMA has not been doing its best in this regard. The outfit, under the new General Manager, Mr. Babatunde Edu, has however increased its tempo, in making sure that the current crop of its workers are not only well-trained but are also proactive in their duties.

According to information made available to our correspondent, many of them have undergone training both within and outside the country, and many more are still enjoying same.

On why some of its personnel still get themselves involved in unwholesome acts under the guise of carrying out their duties, Edu says, “Among the 12 disciples, there was a Judas. I cannot deny that we don’t have some of our men who misbehave, but there are laid down civil service procedure to take care of such people.

“There is a reward for those who carry out their duties diligently. And for those who get themselves involved in one illegality or the other, they have been shown the way out. What I can tell you is that we will continue to do our best, and ensure that we keep the traffic moving in Lagos.”

In recent times too, many of the personnel have undertaken community service, after completing capacity building training. Some did theirs in orphanages, while some others did their sweeping the streets and clearing drainages.

To boost the morale of its workers, Edu says, some incentives have been put in place. At its Oshodi headquarters, our correspondent observed that a clinic has been opened for members of staff.

A female medical personnel at the clinic says, “We attend to any of our personnel who’s indisposed, and we give them the necessary medication. However, if it is a case we cannot handle, we refer them to any of the state government general hospitals.”

Apart from this, there is now a modern tea shop where both the management and junior staff can have light refreshment in a cozy and hygienic environment. It is situated at the ground floor of the Oshodi headquarters.

Some members of the staff who spoke to our correspondent commended the management for the development.

One of them, who identified himself as Akintunde, says, “This is the first time we are having something like this. It shows the management is thinking about our welfare.”

However, while these facilities seem to be good and commendable, there is the need to make them available at the zonal offices of LASTMA.

Edu explains that the move is to get the best out of the staff who work under the sun and in the rain. “The agency believes that if the environment is conducive, the best is yet to come from the officers,” he notes.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/feature/lagos-pulse/lastma-in-re-engineering-process/