Lagos allays residents demolition fears over roads infrastructure

Lagos State government has assured residents of Gaskiya and Sari-Iganmu in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) that their houses would not be demolished in the course of providing roads infrastructure for the two communities. This laid to rest speculations and fears in the communities that the expansion of the Gaskiya-College and Sari-Iganmu Roads would lead to mass demolition of houses in the two communities.

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, who gave this assurance at a stakeholders meeting involving the government and the two communities emphasized that government had no plan to do extensive demolition in order to expand the road from the present eight metres to 13.4 kilometres

The commissioner noted however, that some shops and fences were on the right of way, saying that such structures would be removed in the overall interest of the people. He added that property owners with requisite certified documents from the Ministry of Physical Planning would be compensated.

Hamzat who also dispelled the insinuations that some rich individuals residing in the area have ‘bought’ their way with the government thereby influencing the construction of the road project in order to favour them, noted that the road alignment could not be skewed to favour anyone,  assuring that the alignment of the road was determined by the final destination of the road.

He solicited the support of the people to ensure that the project was delivered within 20 months, adding that the ministry would continue to listen to their complaints.

Highlighting the various complaints and petitions that led to the second stakeholder’s meeting, Hamzat said it was only with the people’s support that the project would be delivered promptly.

Commenting on other roads allegedly abandoned where the LMDGP had worked, the commissioner assured that the state government was in the process of auditing the projects before it was handed over to appropriate agency of government for completion.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson, emphasized that the project which had been awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Plc would enhance free flow of traffic in the area  and also serve as a bye–pass for motorists using the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Alaba and Orile-Iganmu Bus-Stops.

He stressed that the scope of work on the 3.2km roads which has bridge components includes replacement of rubbish with good soil while walkways, drains, service ducts, median barriers, streetlights and other necessary features associated with a standard road would be provided.

Gaskiya College Road is presently a 2-lane 1,520m long carriageway with an average width of 8 metres and a 55-metre long bridge component. It connects Alaba Cemetery Road to Moshood Abiola Road (formerly Apapa Road). Sari-Iganmu Road also takes off from Alaba-Cemetery Road and connects back to the Lagos Badagry with an average width of 9 metres and a 55-metre long bridge component.

The road which is expected to be completed in 20 months will improve road network and enhance interconnectivity around the area.