As part of its inclusive governance, the Lagos State Government has engaged residents of Eti-Osa Local Government to facilitate speedy execution of the Lekki Regional Road Project.
Speaking during the engagement held with strict compliance to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako said that the Regional Road was conceived by the Lagos State Government in the Lagos Metropolitan Master Plan (1980-2000) and also identified in the 1991 Layout Approval issued by the State Government as part of the strategy to engender the socio-economic development of the Lekki corridor.
He stated that other roads identified in the plan include the Coastal Road, Lekki- Epe Expressway, Southern part of Elegushi Land and Lagoon Highway, adding that the 9km road was long overdue as a panacea and strategic link to circumvent the transportation gridlock from Mainland Lagos to Island Lagos.
The Commissioner expressed displeasure that the objective for which the road was conceived was being threatened and negated by series of encroachments as some Estates, buildings and other structures were on its Right of Way.
“This has made the Governor to graciously approve a reduction in the width of the Right of Way in the bid to reduce as much as possible, the level of actual encroachments”, Salako explained.
Highlighting the benefits of the road, which runs parallel to the Lekki-Epe Expessway, the Commissioner stated that the proposed road was expected to ease the perennial traffic gridlock along the Lekki corridor and serve as a precursor to the Fourth Mainland Bridge.
“In view of the importance of the proposed road project to the socio-economic development of the State, we are determined more than ever, to bring everyone on board and ensure the seamless execution of the project. This we believe, will enable us to fulfill our promise of democratic dividends through the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Lagos State”, he asserted.
Affirming the government’s recognition of the link between infrastructure development and socio-economic growth, Dr. Salako restated the administration’s passion for infrastructure development, urging residents to desist from indiscriminate and unapproved developments.
The Commissioner averred that “It is our fervent belief that people in this area are willing to embrace the implementation of the project for the benefit of the generality of Lagosians. This is because it would make life easier and more meaningful for the teeming population of Lagosians through effective interconnectivity within our dear State”.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye pointed out that the essence of the stakeholders’ meeting was to aggregate views and secure the necessary buy-in for the speedy completion of the project, urging residents of the area to embrace the project and support government in the bid to make life easier for the people.
She emphasised that the road, being a flagship project of the present administration, would be completed in record time.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Eti-Osa, Barrister Sanni Adewale expressed excitement about the project and gave an assurance that residents will support its successful execution.
Other dignitaries present at the meeting include the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Nureni Akinsanya; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, among others.
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