…‘It’s Another Promise Fulfilled’ -
Governor
It
was all fanfare in Ojokoro, a densely populated suburb in Ifako-Ijaiye Local
Government Area of Lagos State, on Monday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
fulfilled the commitment given to the residents, with the inauguration of 31
network of roads recently completed by the current administration.
The
contract for the roads, which adds up to a total of 20.216 kilometres in
length, was awarded in 2017 in two phases, but construction work was stalled
shortly after, leaving the roads in deplorable condition. For about two years,
the hapless residents groaned in distress plying the roads.
Sanwo-Olu,
on assumption of office, reviewed the contract for the roads and promised to
complete them before the end of December.
Six
months after, the Governor fulfilled the promise. He led members of the State’s
cabinet to the area to formally commission the newly constructed roads in a
ceremony greeted by spontaneous celebrations.
The
joyous residents trooped out in their numbers to receive the Governor and his
entourage for the formal opening of the roads, which the Governor described as
“critical assets”.
Sanwo-Olu
said the Government moved to complete the 31 roads to relieve residents of the
agony brought about by perennial traffic gridlock in the area, adding that the
opening of the roads would reduce travel time along Lagos-Abeokuta corridor.
He
said: “Ojokoro Local Council Development Area is a strategic settlement with a
fast growing population and huge need for infrastructural renewal. The
construction of the 31 network of roads being commissioned today was
specifically executed to offer traffic relief to residents of this rapidly
developing area.
“This
development will improve the socio-economic activities and road connectivity
within the axis. Prior to the completion of these important projects, traffic
in Ojokoro area grew tremendously considering the high rate of the population
growth and its attendant vehicular density. Now that we have completely
transformed the roads, it is time for relief as we fulfil the promise we made
to residents.”
The
Governor reiterated that provision of roads and critical infrastructure
remained the cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, known as
Project T.H.E.M.E.S, stressing that the delivery of good road network would
help the Government manage traffic effectively.
He
added that the event was an indication of his Government’s resolve to complete
and deliver projects inherited from the last administration.
The
Governor urged the residents to take ownership of the roads, imploring them not
to allow activities that would damage the roads.
Special
Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, said
prior to Sanwo-Olu’s intervention, the existing conduit drains had been
blocked, worsening the roads’ conditions.
The
residents, Adeyoye said, usually experienced perennial flooding, which washed
away the surface of the roads and created gullies that made the roads
impassable for motorists.
She
said: “The construction of this strategic network of roads have been completed
and delivered with improved features, which include reinforced concrete drains,
cover slabs and walkways on both sides of the road. Some of the roads have
cross culverts and outfalls drains at some specific locations.
“There
are also lay-bys and some major parts of the areas also have some major public
utilities, such as electric poles, transformers and streetlights with power
generating sets. The street lightings have started to make positive impact on
security, night life and the local economy.”
She
urged the populace to protect the roads by ensuring that drainage channels are
not blocked by refuse. She told the residents to turn over anyone caught
vandalising the roads and their complementary amenities to enforcement agents.
Member
representing Ifako-Ijaiye in the House of Assembly, Hon. Rasheed Makinde, led
residents to the ceremony to appreciate the Governor’s gesture.
He
pledged that those living in the area would reciprocate the gesture by keeping
faith with APC and pay tax regularly.
Makinde
said there would be further advocacy to sensitise residents on the danger of
converting the roads to a space for commercial activities or mechanic
workshops, promising that anyone caught would be handed over to the
authorities.
Chairman
of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. H.I.D Tijani, said the formal opening of the roads was a
Christmas gift to the residents, adding that the development would keep the
faith residents had in the All Progressives Congress stronger.
The
high point of the ceremony was the formal opening of the roads by Governor
Sanwo-Olu in four locations, including Odun Alayo/Funsho Owoyemi Junction, Edun
Akara/Olorisade Junction, Adenekan/Rabiu Junction and Udeh/Brown Rotary
Junction.