The Lagos State Government is set to link the Bariga community to the Third Mainland Bridge with the upgrade and reconstruction of Odunsi Road. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode assured residents, who will be affected by the project, that they would be adequately compensated. The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Information, Kehinde Bamgbetan, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting with residents of the area.
During the meeting, the residents appealed to the government to create alternative routes, ensure water supply and consider those who had Certificates of Occupancy on their properties. They also warned against sub-standard road construction, saying that they would not hesitate to protest or petition the government if such was done. The governor assured the residents that their interest would be protected but urged them to cooperate with the construction personnel.
He said, “We will pay compensation and ensure that the interest of the residents is protected. We are not doing this to inconvenience them. We have been paying compensation in other places and we will be doing so in this place.
“For everything that we will be doing, we will place notices and issue directives to carry residents along. We seek your cooperation to enable the government to make Lagos more comfortable for us through the provision of adequate facilities. This is something that is very beneficial to members of this community.” The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rotimi Ogunleye, said the road would improve the standard of living in the area and accommodate the expected increase in traffic volume.
Among other benefits he mentioned were the elimination of potential traffic gridlocks, reduction in travel time, and enhancement of property value and provision of an aesthetically pleasing environment.
He stated, “The 1.5km road alignment begins from Tijani Ashogbon Street and terminates at Alhaji Ariyo and Akinbayo streets; this will eventually integrate the Bariga community with the Third Mainland Bridge and Oworo community, respectively.“The road, when completed, will resolve traffic bottlenecks along Jagunmolu and Tijani Ashogbon, which are always critical at the peak period on a daily basis. This road will complement the upgraded/reconstructed Pedro, Igi-Olugbin and Okuta streets. The totality of the network of roads will bring improvement and succour to the citizenry.”
News credit: Punch
