Lagos Pledges Toll Free Lekki Alternative Road In October

NEW realities are rising with the dawn of the public-private partnership programme in Lagos as authorities at the weekend announced plans to deliver a toll free alternative road for motorists plying the newly upgraded Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway.

According to Lagos State’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat the alternative road for Toll Plaza II on the Lekki Epe Expressway, will be delivered before the end of October this year.

Hamzat while on a tour of road projects being undertaken by the State Government within the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State noted that Nigeria cannot aspire to fulfill its potential if it is unable to develop its road network, rail system and harness both its potential in the aviation and maritime sectors.

According to the Commissioner, there is abundant evidence all over the world as to the need to build infrastructure. “Brazil has just recently announced infrastructure development package of about $63bn and it is not alone in the race.” He said.

He noted that Nigeria must have roads linking up all its regions on which citizens can drive easily given its qualities and facilities.

The Commissioner was of the view that the road construction efforts of the Fashola administration in the State are a result of the realization that the quantum of economic development of any nation is closely tied to the quantum and quality of its infrastructure.

Hamzat stated that concentration on road is reflective of the fact that most of the movement of goods and services within the nation takes place on roads.

While stating that time-lines are an issue requiring management on road project, the Commissioner said most challenges results from Lagos being a fully built-up area.

At the Unity road in Lekki, the Commissioner noted that the resolution said there was a need to harmonize the interest of residents in the axis with the plan of government agencies. He promised to facilitate a meeting to resolve all the grey areas between the Office of Drainage Services, Office of Infrastructure and the residents.

While assuring that all projects are on course, the Commissioner noted that visible sign of project progress especially pedestrian bridges will only be felt when they are to be installed. He added that off-site castings are on-going.

He further assured that the pedestrian bridges along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had been stalled by the conflicting information about the expansion of the Expressway.

Describing the pedestrian bridges as fallout of non-obedience of traffic laws, the Commissioner stated that zebra crossings are used in other climes. He added that even when constructed, many do not use them even though they cost a lot to put up.

Source:Guardian