Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 31, 2015 – In few months from now, the ancient Sangrouse Market in Lagos Island, Nigeria, will be pulled down to pave way for a new structure that would add to the aesthetics of Lagos Island.
At the weekend, leadership of the market and the developer DHB Construction Limited, met at Lagos House, where they signed agreement to commence redevelopment of the market.
In a brief ceremony, Principal Private Secretary to Governor Ambode, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, who spoke on behalf of the state government, said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that all stakeholders in the market are carried along in the plan to redevelop the market.
“Today is somewhat symbolic in the history of the state and it also goes to show some of the concerns of government especially in ensuring that things are done with the consent of all stakeholders.
“The information that we have on hand, on the part of stakeholders is that Sandgrouse Market men and women in agreement with the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area as well as DHB Construction Limited would want the place redeveloped to really meet the modern needs of the market”, he said.
He added that the gathering is to ensure that the assignment is done for all to see. “We are thinking for the future that is better than the present that is why we want the place to be redeveloped”, Bamgboye said.
Responding on behalf of the traders, Iyaloja of the market, Alhaja Abibatu Kenku, said consultations on the project has been on for a while, saying that a consensus to rebuild the market was reached after a meeting with the Iyaloja General of Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
She said all stakeholders and traders in the market were duly consulted and that there was a unanimous agreement that the market be redeveloped.
“The Local Government was also involved and that is why we were able to reach the stage of signing the agreement”, she said. On his part, Chairman of DHB Construction Limited, Mr. Hakeem Alobo Bakare, said with the agreement, the traders will be relocated to a temporary site next week, where they can continue to trade to enable the total redevelopment of the market commence in earnest.
“They are all aware of this, in fact there are more than willing for us to commence the development. I want to appreciate the leaders of the market, especially the Iyaloja of the market and every other stakeholder; they have been very wonderful and supportive”, he said.
