It was jubilation among residents as the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commissioned a 6.05-kilometre Ijede dual-carriageway in Ikorodu Local Government Area.
Besides, the governor, on Wednesday, also handed over a N500 million cheque as compensation for property owners in Igbogbo -Bayeiku road, whose buildings, shops and places of worship, were demolished on the Right-of-Way of the road.
Speaking at the road’s commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said his administration is committed to extend development across the length and breadth of the state and grow the economy of Lagos through robust infrastructure projects.
According to him, the Ijede road was done in 17 months despite the coronavirus pandemic that stalled developments all over the world.
He added that his government is determined to extend the project to other communities in the locality such as Igberigbe and Ijede jetty.
Other roads, which constructions are ongoing in Ikorodu, the governor said included Agric -Isawo, Igbogbo -Bayeiku, Oba Sekunmade roads.
He also disclosed plans to commence demolition of Ikorodu Roundabout and construct a new road junction to accommodate the state’s transportation plan for the area.
The Ijede -Itamaga -Ewu Elepe Road, which was in a sorry state before the contract for its rehabilitation and dualisation was awarded in January 2020 to Messrs Arab Contractors, with the duration of 17 months, is now wearing a new look upon its completion.
Some of the residents that spoke, Kunle Adenaike and Rotimi Owolabi, appreciated the governor for the road’s rehabilitation /upgrade, recalling that it was impossible to navigate the passage of the route was hellish.
Chairman House Committee on infrastructure, Saka Solaja; and Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade commended the governor for his strides in infrastructure development across the state.
Speaking, Special Adviser on works and infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, an engineer, said the rehabilitation/ upgrading of the road into a dual carriageway status would improve road connectivity, improve traffic flow, reduce traffic time, enhance intermodal transportation, improve the safety of lives and property, enhance property values and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
She, however, cautioned them on the need to understand that the challenge of sustainable infrastructure goes beyond providing it or the quality of the project delivered.
The special adviser said there was a need to address issues ranging from vandalisation of road furniture and public utilities; indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads and drainages as well as the activities of some roadside mechanics and axle overload on inner roads among others “if truly we are to take ownership of this road.”
“The event we are witnessing today is an affirmation of the resolve of Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ‘s administration to extend development across the length and breadth of the state and grow the economy of Lagos through a robust infrastructure portfolio.
“The overall target of the current administration is that investments in modern road infrastructure will improve travel time, ease movement of goods and services, and yield multiple dividends for Lagos and its residents.”
In upgrading the road, she said that the government took cognisance of the need to make commuting stress-free for pedestrians and motorists by making provision for dual carriageway, walkway, service ducts, drainage, culverts, streetlights and laybys and bus stops.
She pointed out that the road being commissioned is very strategic due to its connectivity to several other neighboring communities.
She said: “The road provides good access to Gberigbe, Agura Town and some other adjoining communities as well as the Ijede jetty for connectivity to water transportation.
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