Euphoria as Ambode lightens up Epe Township newly reconstructed roads

AS the ongoing rehabilitation of roads embarked upon by the Lagos State government is gathering momentum, with facilities that include street lights, tree planting going on pari-passu with the construction activities, residents are urged to protect the infrastructure.

Commenting on the project, the traditional ruler of Epe community, the Oloja of Epeland, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, while expressing satisfaction at the rate the project is progressing, urged the residents, especially, motorists to ensure the infrastructure does not suffer abuse.

“It’s gratifying that we are alive to witness what everybody is regarded as uncommon transformation of Epeland, as exemplified by the unique projects and programme lined up for the town and its environs, including other suburbs, particularly, in the area of road construction and housing delivery.

“However, I want to appeal to every residents and visitors, especially, the motorists to drive carefully, not only to ensure protection of the infrastructure, but also, protection of lives of the road users,” said Oba Animashaun, who urged the contractor to provide speed breakers where necessary.

In the same vein, another community leader, Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom, Oba Adegboyega Adefowora, also commended government’s efforts, most especially, in the area of security.

According to him, “Governor Ambode is not looking at the area of infrastructure development alone, but rather, showing concern on security, economic development and other areas of human endeavours. This made his programme holistic, both in approach and execution,” said the monarch.

As at last week, the road has been installed with street light and tree planted on the…. thus, wearing a fascinating outlook.

“The project that is said to be 70 per cent completion stage is now adorned with street light and tree planting- amenities that residents could hardly dream of, at least not in the distant future.

“Why we are so excited is the all-round approach to the ongoing urban renewal that is not limited to Epe, but also extended to Badagry, Ikorodu, Lekki and other locations outside the metropolis.

“The regeneration of Oke-Oyinbo- Chalet is another area we give kudos to the governor, where the exercise  includes construction of swimming pool, lawn tennis court, mini football pitch, gymnasium, restaurant, administrative block and landscaping/beautification”, testified Sulaiman Aremu, a Town Planner, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, last week.

However, it was agreed that the ongoing ancillary projects in Epe are in tandem with the Rehabilitation of Strategic/Arterial/Inner Roads in the Township, that officials say is at 70 per cent completion stage.

Roads involve include: Lagos Road, Oke Osho/T-Junction, Aiyetoro/ Roundabout; Central Mosque Junction/Orita Marun Stream, all categorised as ‘Grade A.’

Others are Oloja Estate; Bature/ Otunba Adeniyi/Omotayo/Uthman Mustapha and Raman/Ishawu Owolabi, which are in category ‘B’, where street light brightens the night in the once community, adjudged to be the most backward local government in Lagos State.

Added to the road expansion is the ongoing Dubai-Epe Marina Waterfront, the concept, according to the officials, is to replicate what is happening in Dubai, Singapore, Disneyland in the United States of America (USA) among others, where tourism, entertainment, amusement and relaxation had gotten to the higher level.

The project is planned to have facilities and infrastructure such as civic centre for events, food venue, museum, aquarium, boat club and boating services, dock amusement, arcade and landscape playing ground.

Others are promenade ancillary, general parking, retail parking in buffer zone, landscaped sitting zone, ferry services, sport bar, amphitheatre, civic pavilion, volley ball courts and artificial beach with active sports, children’s playground, ferry terminal/ boat house and fast-food court.

“In essence, this tripod development approach embarked upon is to take developmental level in Epe Township to a higher level, a situation the community may not dream about in next 50 years,” said an indigene, Mr Sunkanmi Agoro, who said the Chalet redevelopment project is as unique as other ones put in place by Governor Ambode’s administration.