FG links reckless parking of tankers to delay in repair works on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

The Federal Ministry of Works has linked the reckless parking of tankers by drivers to the long delay in completing the ongoing rehabilitation works on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

The rehabilitation work, which is being carried out by German construction company, Julius Berger, has over-shot the September proposed delivery date of the project.
According to the ministry, the contractor has not been able to carry out any work on the road in recent time due to the blockade caused by the indiscriminate parking of tankers by drivers, who queue on the expressway to have access into the tank farms located along the expressway.

Disclosing this to our correspondent, Godwin Eke, federal controller of works, South West zone, said that the determination of the combined efforts of the Federal Government and the contractor to deliver on the road is being stalled by uncontrolled parking of tankers.

Eke, who listed Mile 2 to Sunrise axis of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Creek road as the areas were rehabilitation works are being stalled, also stated that the ministry had no option than to instruct the contractor to barricade some parts of the affected road in order to continue work.

“We want to do this work so that in no distant time we will deliver on this mandate. And whether the tanker drivers like it or not, this rehabilitation work must continue for the benefit of port users, motorists and the entire Apapa residents,” he assured.

Reacting, Tony Anakebe, an industry analyst, who bemoaned the chaotic traffic situation on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, also challenged the Federal Government to work towards relocating the tank farms in Apapa to a freer axis in Lagos in order to solve the Apapa gridlock.

Anakebe, who believes that the traffic situation in Apapa can only be managed if the number of heavy duty vehicles coming into it is reduced, noted that the trucks coming into the port to lift cargoes are enough for the metropolis.

BusinessDay check shows that the ongoing rehabilitation work by Julius Berger on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway is part of the phase II of the project, which covers about three kilometres aimed at catering for the heavy traffic on the road. The already completed phase I started from Trinity Bus Stop to Cele while Phase II started from Cele Bus Stop to Apapa side.