Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday said that his administration would continue to pursue the mass infrastructure delivery vision of late Alhaji Lateef Jakande to enhance connectivity in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said that although Jakande had been laid to rest, his vision for the state was a pathway which his administration would preserve to open up roads in vulnerable communities for progress.
The governor made the remarks during the inauguration of the Lagos-Ogun State Boundary Roads Phase II, in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos.
He said that Jakande was a lover of the poor and vulnerable and built and renewed infrastructure which included roads, schools, health facilities among others to enhance their lives.
“What Alhaji Lateef Jakande stood for is what we are doing here today,” he said.
He said that the network of roads located in Abule Egba, Meiran and Agbado ran parallel to the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and would address gridlock, boost connectivity and address perennial flooding on the axis.
He said that the project demonstrated his administration’s “unflinching commitment to completing all outstanding roads to bring succor” to residents.
Sanwo-Olu added that the project was borne out of the commitment of the government to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time.
“I am happy that we have been able to provide this model for our people,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu added that he had earlier inaugurated the construction/remodeling of Abesan Youth Centre after attending the 8th Day prayer for late Jakande.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor On Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye said the project was in line with the vision of the government to stimulate growth of satellite settlements and border communities.
She said Sanwo-Olu had during inauguration of a network of 31 Strategic Road in Ifako Ijaye in December 2019 directed that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure must ensure speedy completion of the Lagos-Ogun State Boundary Roads Phase II.
“The 2nd phase of the Lagos-Ogun Boundary network of roads involves the construction four roads with a bridge to improve connectivity with neighbouring Ogun State, while providing multiple travel options within the Local Government,” she said.
She said that the scope of the project included a dual-carriageway with reinforced concrete drains, cover slab and walkway, on both sides of the Old Otta Road, which also has a reinforced concrete bridge component.
She added that single carriageways, inner roads with reinforced concrete drains, cover slab and walkway were on both sides of Adekoya, Makinde and Suberu Oje streets in addition to cross culverts and outfall drains among others.
She said the project would reduce travel time between “Lagos and Ogun States by providing alternative route to the ever busy Sango Otta / Lagos –Abeokuta Expressway route to link Ayobo/Ipaja, Command axis and other major parts of the metropolis,” she said.
Lawmakers representating Alimosho and Ifako Ijaiye Local Governments as well as the Local Government chairmen took turns to thank the government for the construction of the important roads.
However, the Community Development Areas and Community Development Centres (CDCs) who requested for construction of about 2,700 inner streets thanked the government for the project promising to protect the infrastructure.
An octagenarian in the area, Mrs Felicia Bamgbade told NAN that the project was first started by late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, but was later abandoned leading to decades of suffering for residents.
“I live at Aduke Longos Estate, it has been in a very terrible situation for us since 2001 that I moved here, because no vehicle can pass here, we have to walk through the water with our legs but today I am happy that this bridge was constructed in my lifetime.
“Now we have opportunity to go everywhere with ease, we can go to Meiran, Ilepo, Abule Egba, Oshodi without fear of water or flood, my children will find it easy to come and visit now,” she said.
The road is expected to serve as alternative route to the ever busy Sango-Ota and the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway route to link Ayobo Ipaja, Command axis and other parts of the state.
Other residents and road users also commended the project
The event was attended by traditional, religious and community leaders from the Lagos and Ogun State boundary community.
NAN reports that the construction arose from the need to complement the network of 21 roads and two bridges constructed in phase one of the project to curb perennial flooding on the axis.
The project awarded in May 2018 was handled by Visible Construction Ltd.
The project included 4.7 Kms Old Ota Road construction with bridge, 455 metres Adekoya Road, 684 metres Makinde Road, 465 meters Suberu Oje Road and dredging of 23.3 kms Ilo River. (NAN)
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