Projects that would change the face of Lagos springing up

Last week, Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode embarked on an inspection tour of major projects in Lagos State. The projects, many of which the contractors have assured would be completed before the end of the year, were conceived and implemented to transform the landscape of the state, as well as improve on the ranking of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa.

Ever since assuming office as the 14th governor of the state, Governor Ambode has not hidden his desire to grow the economy to be the third largest in Africa, and many projects, and policies to achieve same, are being implemented in quick succession.

Within the first two years in office, the governor commissioned several projects, including two bridges in Abule Egba and Ajah, which were hitherto bedeviled by traffic snarl; scaled up security and emergency rescue operation with state of the art facilities and equipment; constructed several inner roads to open up the hinterland and multiple laybys to ease traffic, among other gigantic projects.

In a recent publication by the State Government, it was revealed that over 100 projects are currently ongoing across all the sectors, and the projects, upon completion, would change the face of Lagos and set the State on sound pedestal forever.

As part of efforts to monitor the progress of work and see things for himself, Governor Ambode, first point of call was the Oworonshoki Lagoon reclamation project, which is designed to transform the blighted area to major tourism, transportation and entertainment hubs.

Speaking at the site, Governor Ambode clarified that the project was part of the overall programme for Lagos to emerge as the entertainment hub for Africa.

“I have read some reports in the papers insinuating that this project is a housing scheme or whether we want to sell the reclaimed land. That is not the situation and this project is a special one designed to make the State emerge as the tourism hub of Africa,” he said.

From the Oworonshoki Lagoon reclamation site, the Governor and his team moved to Ilaje and Bariga axis, where network of roads were being upgraded in Ilaje, Odunsi and Ariyo streets, and a modern jetty.

While receiving the Governor and his entourage, Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Kolade Alabi said the people of the area were grateful to the state government for the projects being implemented to make life comfortable and boost commerce in their neighborhood.

Responding, Governor Ambode commended the contractor handling the roads and new jetty projects, for the level of work done so far, and the assurance that the projects would be delivered by July.

At the inspection of ongoing new Model College in Sabo area of Yaba, which is billed to be delivered in December, alongside that of Angus Model College in Shomolu, the governor said the intention of his administration is to scale up infrastructure in public schools across the state, starting with commencement of massive rehabilitation of public schools.

• North Korea no longer needs nuclear tests ―Kim Jung Un

“This is our new concept of what a model college should look like. That is why in this complex we have about 36 classrooms, nine laboratories and because of the land space here, we don’t really have a recreational facility around but the ones we are building in Ojo and Shomolu, they have all the necessary recreation facilities that should actually go with a modern secondary school,” he said.

The Governor added that his administration accepted the fact that a lot of public schools in the State were not in proper shape, and that in addressing the challenge, the government would soon commence massive rehabilitation of public schools.

The governor moved to the Oshodi Transport Interchange being designed to redefine public transportation not only in Lagos but in Nigeria. The interchange has 3-multi-storey bus terminals with waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, conveniences, surveillance tower and CCTV gadgets. Other features include accessible walkways, pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link the three terminals, shopping malls with street lighting and a dedicated security team on ground. Upon completion, the project would bring about organised transport system, boost intra-tourism for Oshodi, bequeath iconic city gateway to the State, ensure secured and comfortable environment, as well as economic growth and job creation.

Also at the 10-lane Airport Road project, the governor was assured by contractors handling the project that it would be delivered in December.

The design of the Airport Road include the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to three-lane Expressway on both directions, construction of two-lane Service Road in both directions, construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport, construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate and drainage works.

The Governor was also at the Maternity Centre in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, popularly known as Ayinke House, to inspect the progress of work.

The Ayinke House is a 162-bed space facility which is expandable to 250, with other features such as 22 neo-natal intensive care units, 16 intensive care units for adults, five fully equipped theatres, laboratory, common ward, maternal and child care centre, among others.

Speaking, Governor Ambode said it was gratifying that the Ayinke House designed to be the major baby factory of the State, would be delivered in June and commissioned for public use by July.

Interestingly, other projects spread across the state, like the J.K Randle Centre, reconstructed Onikan Stadium among others, are also expected to be completed the same time with above projects

In all of the areas visited by the Governor, the people were visibly happy with the projects ongoing in their neighborhood and were ready to sacrifice today for a better future. One can only imagine what the mood of the people would be upon completion of the projects in December as promised. For sure, the Lagos landscape would never be the same again.

• Anibaba, a journalist wrote in from Ikorodu.