At last, work begins at Imota new Mile 12 foodstuffs market

All seem to be set for the relocation of the famous Mile 12 market, Kosofe Local Government Area to Imota in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, as equipment have been deployed to the site with construction works in progress.

Nigerian Tribune’s finding last week revealed the ongoing construction works to include the drainage facility in preparation to road construction within the market site.

Official in the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development who confided in the Nigerian Tribune revealed that in conformity with recommendations and suggestions made by the stakeholders on the necessary infrastructure and facilities required for the smooth relocation of traders, “government, though, determined to complete the project as soon as possible, also determined to ensure that all the facilities are in place.”

He listed the infrastructure to include  expansion of the existing Ikorodu-Itoikin road, construction of access road from Imota Township to the market site, trailer parks, market stall and shops for different traders according to the goods they are dealing with, toilet and bathroom facilities, water and power supply, including security posts, among others.

“Apart from provision of necessary infrastructure and facilities, government, right from inception, would put in place, a stakeholder committee that would comprise the community leaders at the new location and leaders of the market men and women.

“This is to ensure peaceful ce-existence among the various groups, unlike what has been happening in the present location, where conflicts ensues on regular basis”, said the official, who declined his name to be mentioned, citing non approval to comment on the issue.

It would be recalled that Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, recently inspected the new Imota site, proposed for the relocation of the popular Mile 12 Market, where he assured that work would commence soon at the site.

The governor, who was accompanied on the inspection visit by top officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and members of the State Executive Council, said that the relocation of the market became necessary following a clash, recently, in the area, just as he directed the ministry to move to the site and commence work on the market immediately.

Ambode, while expressing optimism that the relocation would drive commerce and investment into the Imota area, urging residents to gear up to receive the vast number of traders and visitors they would host.

“We are all aware that we had a little crisis at Mile 12 Market in Ketu recently and here is the new site that we are relocating Mile 12 Market to.

“So, our new commodities market would take off from here, and so I like to give the Ministry of Physical Planning the directive to commence activities here within the next one week. We believe that if we start within the next seven days, within the next six months, Mile 12 Market Ketu will be a thing of the past.

“We are committed to doing this. We know it is in the interest of all Lagosians that we relocate Mile 12 Market,” he said.