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By Adekunle Akinmosa
On Thursday and Friday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was out and about Lagos, commissioning roads. For the two days, he officially opened 11 roads in different parts of Lagos. While to some, news of the commissioning may strike as ordinary, to the residents in and commuters within that axis, the reconstruction of those roads represent a new lease of life.
In Ikeja Government Reservation Area (GRA), Sanwo-Olu commissioned a network of five roads on Thursday. The rehabilitated roads which measure 6.13kkm in total are Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu, and Sasegbon Streets. And on Friday, he commissioned 4.7km of six major roads across three Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Akoka, Bariga, and Gbagada. The roads include St. Finbarr’s Road, Asani Street, Tijani Ashogbon Street, Jagunmolu Street, Shogbamu Street, and Diya Street, traversing the University of Lagos Main Gate, Akoka, to Deeper Life Church in Gbagada.
Roads are important in modern life. Whether one is walking, riding a bicycle, motorcycle or in a motor vehicle, the state of the road affects how we move. Hence, it’s become a public good which is demanded of governments by its citizens. While the government strives to deliver good roads, it is the right of residents to enjoy not only the aesthetics but the comfort of driving, cycling and walking on well designed roads.
Thankfully, the Lagos State government is also being practical as one major change in the design are the gutters which are made of more lasting concrete rather than just hollow cement blocks. Also, drainage is key in the design. Take the repaired roads in Ikeja GRA for instance, the upgrades complement earlier rehabilitations of other roads like Isaac John, Joel Ogunnaike Street, Oba Ladejobi, and Harold Shodipo Streets, creating an interconnected network designed to improve accessibility, the drainage system and check the perennial flooding on that axis.
Speaking at the opening of the Ikeja GRA roads on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu described the project as a win-win for both the state and the residents.
“The rehabilitated roads and drainage systems will mitigate flooding and erosion, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance safety and security,” he said.
“This will improve the aesthetics of the environment, increase property values, and ultimately contribute to the growth of Lagos’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As we consolidate this mandate, we assure you that we will intensify our efforts to build a Lagos that works for everyone, providing an enabling environment for inclusive growth.”
It is a good thing that the heartbeat of the Lagos Mainland is witnessing urban regeneration. The better thing is that the development is actually all over Lagos State. In December, the governor opened the rehabilitated Babafemi Dada link road and bridge, alongside the Yinka Folarin, Jamiu Lawal, and Shalom Academy road network in Alimosho LGA. Hitherto, the bridge that connected the Igando and Ayobo communities was a privately-owned rickety wooden bridge that charged pedestrians exorbitant fees for crossing. However, the reinforced concrete bridge and upgraded approach roads constructed by the Lagos State government has ensured a safer and quicker commute considering the alternative was a 10km detour.
“This infrastructure provides safe and efficient access while opening the axis for economic development, linking LASU-IBA and Condos roads,” said Sanwo-Olu at the opening of the bridge. At the event, he also advised the residents to own the project.
“I want you to see this project as your own because you are the direct beneficiaries of its dividends. I see you as our partners in this journey of state-building, and we value your cooperation and feedback on this and other projects.”
Also in December, Sanwo-Olu unveiled the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge in the Ifako-Ijaiye LGA. Hitherto, the bridge which linked the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities over a 25-metre swamp belt was a wooden affair. However, the link is 643 metres of laid asphalt including a 135-metre reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls.
These projects are among the 36 newly constructed roads and bridges scheduled for unveiling by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. Others include Arowojobe Link Bridge and Approach Road in Maryland, Sand Zero Road in Oyingbo, Platinum Road in Igbokusu, Abaranje Road, Eluku Street/Mosafejo in Agbowa Ikosi, Adamo-Akanun-Agunfoye Lugbusi Roads, Alternative Route to Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza. Upgrading of the Lekki-Epe Expressway: Phase IIA (18.600 km) and Phase IIB, and Iwaya Road.
There are also 51 other projects at various stages of development across the State. Presently, in Agege, Oko-Oba Road and Orile Road, which collectively is about 2.5Km long, are being re-constructed. In fact, Oko-Oba Road has been asphalted while Orile Road has been graded. Other inner streets such as Fagbola, Oshobu, Alaramimo, Dorcas Morolahun, Isiaka and Ladipo have also been tarred and a delight to drive, ride or walk on. All of the roads also have appropriate concrete gutters and drainage systems in place. Other streets in the neighbourhood like Adebari, Ilobu, are also in various stages of reconstruction.
For years, Lagos residents and commuters have had to endure the challenges posed by poorly maintained roads, which have resulted in increased travel times, vehicle damage, and even accidents. Thankfully, in Lagos, continuity in governance has been seamless since the country’s return to democracy in 1999. From Bola Tinubu through Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and now Sanwo-Olu as governors, it has been an excellent exchange of batons. And it is refreshing to know that since assuming office, Sanwo-Olu has made it a priority to tackle the state’s road infrastructure challenges head-on.
Through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the state government has embarked on an ambitious program to repair and maintain roads across the state. The 11 roads recently launched are just a further testament of his administration’s commitment to address the perennial issue of bad roads in Lagos.
Some of the notable infrastructure projects currently underway in Lagos include the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the construction of the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, and the upgrading of the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway. These projects, combined with the government’s efforts to repair and maintain roads, demonstrate the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure that supports the state’s economic growth and development.
A good road network is a major infrastructure which qualifies the livability of a city. However, as Lagos has focused on road construction, as Sanwo-Olu has advised, residents must be vigilant and protect it from vandals. They should become whistleblowers once they see anyone destroying the roads in whatever form. That, in addition to other civic duties like prompt payment of their taxes is the responsibilities that residents owe the government in order to continue demanding public goods, roads inclusive.
Anyway, while Lagos still has a lot of work to do, it is safe to say that as it is presently constituted, the state government is excelling regarding the provision of road infrastructure. Kudos to Sanwo-Olu. And more grace to Lagos.
