The Lagos State government has assured residents that the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge will continue in spite of the ongoing development of jetties to link the Eastern and Western parts of the state. The state government explains that the development is in tune with the inter-modal transportation plan of the government, which involves providing the general public with options.
Hamzat Kadiri Obafemi, commissioner for works and infrastructure, who gave these hints during an inspection tour of projects in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state, noted that since the commencement of water transportation, the number of passengers using ferries had risen from 400,000 monthly to 1.4 million, adding that the figure was expected to increase to over 4 million when the jetties were completed.
The commissioner added that the completion of the three new jetties along with those being rehabilitated at Mile 2 and Oworonshoki would put an end to the perennial gridlock that characterise moving around major parts of the state. He reassured that the ongoing litigation on the Osborne Jetty site will not distract the state government from accomplishing the goals of water transportation, adding that it was in the character of the administration to obey laws.
Hamzat hoped that with the newly awarded 180 projects by the State’s Tenders Board, the state would again become a giant construction works yard that would provide jobs and boost the economy. He revealed that projects awarded, especially those of his ministry, cut across all sections of the state, adding that both rural communities and urban areas were addressed in those projects enunciated by the administration.
The commissioner observed the change in construction strategies from on-site production of slabs and culverts to site yard productions, pointing out that the state government had incorporated possible flooding resulting from rainfall into the master plan of road construction, by including the upgrading and construction of drainage channels that will ensure proper discharge of water from the roads in the event of rising sea level.
He also explained that projects which were not performing to expectation would be re-awarded to ensure that the intended benefits of such projects were made available to the people. Hamzat, who assured on the completion of the alternative road to Toll Plaza 2 behind Chevron, Lekki, noted that the issues raised were a point of discussion with the owners of properties around the location and not a legal matter that takes a while to resolve by courts.
Projects visited in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ibeju-Lekki include Osborne and Badore Jetties, Jamiu Eletu road in Awoyaya, Ikota road, White Sands School road, Okun- Ajah/Ogombo/Ajiweh, Ajah-Badore road, Kushenla/Ojulari road, Addo/Addo Kekere/Langbasa/Kajola roads, among others.
