Benjamin Omoike l Sunday, November 01, 2020
LEKKI, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, has embarked on a project flag-off of the road reconstruction and upgrading of the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Express way (Phase One) from Eleko Junction to “T Junction” in Epe.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, at the flag-off of the phase one 18.75 kilometres road, which would be completed in 20 months, thanked all stakeholders for being part of the historic occasion, saying it was a promise kept by his administration.
Sanwo-Olu said the flag-off of the reconstruction and upgrade of the road project, symbolises his government’s revolutionary efforts at making life comfortable for the people in the state.
He said the government recognised the importance of the road to economic development of the area, saying his administration will not relent in the continuous transformation of Lagos.
He added that the phase two of the project from Abraham Adesanya to Eleko, would commence some time next year before the completion of the phase one, as it would further strengthen the position of the state as the Centre of Excellence.
The Governor urged youths and residents in the area to take ownership and charge of the project, and work with the contractor, as the government was also working on the regional road and 4th Mainland Bridge, saying other roads had not beeen forgotten.
Present at the event were Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, state government officials, members of Lagos State House of Assembly, Royal fathers, among other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, says the project will impact positively in the lives of the people, urging residents to take ownership of the project
Adeyoye said, aside the fact that the Lekki-Epe Expressway project, when completed, would eliminate the perennial traffic gridlocks, it would also improve socio-economic activities in and around Lekki and reduce drastically, the travel time of commuters.
Also, the All Progressives Congress Lagos East Senatorial Candidate, Adetokunbo Abiru, said the flag-off ceremony of the road project, would enable residents to harness the benefits of resources in the area and open up the environment for investment.
On postponement of the election, Abiru said it was reawakening, while pleading with youths in Lagos, to support the state government on the initiative, by embracing dialogue and allow developmental projects to take place in the state.
According to stakeholders, the people had been suffering for so many years, stressing that the road infrastructure was a major input to the economy of the area, which would enhance the socio-economic development of Lagos.
The Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway, which was constructed over 40 years ago, from Victoria Island to Epe T-junction, is programmed for two phases, to manage the huge financial outlay required for the project, takes cognisance of the rapid industrialisation envisaged along the Lekki axis and the first phase will span 18.75 kilometres from Eleko Junction – Epe T-junction, while the second phase of 26.7 kilometres, will start at Abraham Adesanya Roundabout to Eleko Junction.
Similarly, Governor Sanwo-Olu paid a solidarity visit to commiserate with business owners whose shops were attacked and vandalised by hoodlums at the Circle Mall, Jakande Lekki, as a result of the mayhem caused in the aftermath effects of the #EndSARS protests.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the business owners at the Circle Mall, while promising that the state government would ensure it granted them 12 months tax break and financial support in two folds; in form of grants and zero interest loans.
He promised that the government would continue to keep the people and property in Lagos safe and in a secure and conducive environment, for businesses to thrive.
Speaking earlier, one of the business owners, Adenike Ogunlesi, thanked the Governor and state government officials for the visit, and urged the government to render financial support to them and give them tax rebate.
She said the losses and collateral damage they suffered during, what she described as, the Xenophobic attack, and the mayhem caused by hoodlums, as a result of social injustice, as well as inequality, was extensive and shameful, adding that there was need for the people in the community to see the business owners as a solution rather than the problem.
