By Fidelis Ugbomeh
In a proactive approach towards seeking the buy-in of stakeholders along the 57 kilometres purple line from Redemption Camp to Volkswagen, the Lagos State government through Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) recently organised a two-day workshop with focus on environmental and community considerations.
The workshop, conducted in accordance with Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) standards, saw participants including representatives from Federal and state ministries of environment, as well as local government officials, community development Committees (CDCs) and community development associations (CDAs).
Others include: stakeholders from Agege, Ikeja, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Areas and Ojodu and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area.
Officials of LAMATA including: head of corporate communication, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, Mr. Dipo Quadri, Mrs. Ibironke Omorhirhi and Architect Dipo Oshobu and consultant, Dr Babatunde Osho of Global Impact environmental consulting limited presented the project’s details, outlining the plan for an integrated multimodal transport system in Lagos.
While the project received enthusiastic support from the grassroots participants, they emphasized the importance of continued engagement with CDC and CDAs, security agencies, and traffic management authorities.
This collaborative approach aims to proactively address potential challenges and ensure smooth project implementation, minimizing disruption and maximizing benefits for the communities along the rail line’s corridor.
The Purple rail line, covers 11 local government areas (nine in Lagos and two in Ogun State), will feature 17 stations, utilizing elevated and at-grade level tracks.