LAGOS BUILDING FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has described the road construction and provision of facilities efforts of the Fashola Administration as a direct response to the megacity status and the need to prepare for future growth. In his words, “we are now a megacity by virtue of our population. By virtue of the UN position for us to comply with best practices, we must expand the size of our roads, introduce walkways and in some instances provide bicycle lanes among others. We must also directly respond to the challenges of waste generation and the ensuing prosperity of people.” The Commissioner, who on Sunday visited 14 projects within Ikeja, Eti-Osa and Lekki areas of the State, stated that the commitment to redevelopment of inner road networks in the State is sacrosanct. Projects visited include the Multi – Agency Office Complex, Alausa, Magistrate Court, Ikeja, on-going reconstruction of Yaya Abatan/College Road, Surulere Industrial Road, Off Acme Road, Simbiat Abiola Road, Kodesho Road, St. Gregory’s Way, Obalende, Unity/1st Avenue/ Ivory Road, Osapa and Orile Ilasan Awe road. Also inspected was the Obalende Transformation Initiative project. Hamzat stated that the 14 projects visited represents only 4% of the total number of ongoing projects, wexplaining that the roads being developed are chosen on the basis of their carrying capacity, population and presence of outfall. Meanwhile at Obalende, where the State Government is undertaking the regeneration of the area, the Commissioner said the project is to generally renew the bus park and introduce “Transport Information System” where commuters can identify the buses and take off time as well as ensure the general beautification and lighting of the place. While stating that cost of construction per kilometer in some communities are higher where the terrain is challenging, the Commissioner stated that the Isheri Osun project requires that attention be given to details and safety and not the timeframe. He stated that aside from the two bridges anchored on 1,022 piles 34 metre deep being constructed, government has awarded the accompanying 7.8km road. The bridge, he said must be done right, hence the commitment of the government to prompt delivery. He further stated that though it was impossible for State to build its way out of flooding, there is a significant commitment to providing quality drainage that ensures quick discharge of rain waters. Saying Lagos roads have been built to internationally accepted standard and specifications with such new features as an expanded carriage, Street lightings, pedestrian walks complete with service ducts and designed to last 15-20 years, Hamzat noted that the axle load they bear presents a major challenge. He added that Lagos roads carry over 90% of containers coming through the ports to Nigeria. He declared, “No society uses their roads the way we use ours. Water must drain off quickly but we use the drainage channels as garbage can thus clogging them. We then state that communities must begin to take ownership of projects.” Commenting on the various challenges that confronts project delivery, the Commissioner said, “State’s resources are finite not infinite, and as such we must make choices and set priorities.” He said there are challenges relating to relocation of services which invariably constrains the time frame envisaged for project delivery. He added that though interacting with some of the agencies of government can be challenging, there is an understanding being developed to ensure prompt action. Hamzat, while commending contractors also alluded to the significant encumbrances encountered in establishing the Right of Way for roads.. The Commissioner noted that only public buy-in or ownership will ensure that tax payers’ fund used for projects becomes beneficial and not a waste.-
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:16:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015