Lagos State Government met with stakeholders on Tuesday to signal the commencement of the construction of Ijeododo Road, which will connect two Local Council Development Areas, Igando-Ikotun and Iba, to the ongoing 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Speaking at the stakeholders' meeting held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako said that the commencement of the Ijeododo Road project signalled another positive step taken by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration towards the inclusive development of every constituent part of the state.
He noted that the road, being critical to connectivity and socio-economic development of the state by linking roads within the axis, is receiving the Midas touch of the forward-looking administration that is doggedly redefining the state of infrastructure in Lagos State in the bid to achieving the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, especially making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.
The Commissioner explained that the meeting, like previously held ones, stemmed from the state government's fervent commitment to citizens' participation in the development of their communities so as to evolve a sense of ownership necessary for the protection of public infrastructure.
He urged residents of the area not to hesitate in making the necessary sacrifice and giving the support required for the successful execution of the project, saying: "As you are aware, there is no gain without sacrifice. The relief, however, is the ultimate big picture of ease of connectivity and socio-economic development that are bound to sprout as a result of the road construction".
He assured that relevant government agencies are being mobilised to take stock of property that will be affected by the road project and make arrangements for the payment of compensation to deserving property owners whose documents are intact.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, stated that the paramount consideration for the project was the development and this had informed efforts to minimise the impact of the project on the community by reviewing the project from the original six-lane design to four-lane with a reviewed Right of Way of 33 meters from 55 meters as well as the reduction of the expected impact on houses from 250 to 133.
The Consultant for the project, Engr. Kamil Olalekan, averred that the project was conceived over 10 years ago but was hindered by many considerations including the Environment Impact Assessment, NNPC requirements, level of compensation and cost.
The Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Nureni Akinsanya; Member, Lagos House of Assembly, representing Ojo Constituency I, Mr Victor Akande; Special Adviser, Urban Development, Mr Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Olujinmi Hotonu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe and the representative of Oniba of Iba, Chief Tolani Sule, took turns to appeal to the people to allow the project berth in the area.
Some of the residents expressed a preference for the initial alignments and Right of Way to be maintained while others said they were comfortable with the arrangement which reduced the alignment and the impact. Others also expressed joy and support for the project, saying it would lessen their traffic challenges.
