Residents applaud Sanwo-Olu as AFA Bridge opens in Ikorodu

Residents and road users in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and bridges across the state, describing the opening of the inbound section of the AFA Bridge on Agric-Isawo Road as a major relief after years of hardship.

The section was opened to traffic during an inspection of ongoing road and bridge projects by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Olutokunbo Oyenuga, and other technical directors.

The opening forms part of the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road with Bridge project in Ikorodu Local Government Area.

Speaking during the inspection, Daramola said the opening of the inbound section would ease the difficulties previously experienced by commuters who had been forced to navigate flood-prone areas around the bridge.

“There is good progress on the bridge works. I’m happy to tell you that the inbound section of AFA Bridge on Agric-Isawo Road has been opened to traffic. Commuters can now safely use this section of the bridge. It’s bye to driving through the floodplain,” he said.

He, however, stressed that construction was still ongoing on the outbound section, urging motorists and other road users to exercise caution and comply with temporary traffic management measures.

Represented at the opening by Oyenuga, Daramola advised motorists to observe the prescribed speed limit, obey traffic signs and instructions and avoid reckless driving, noting that the area remained a construction zone.

He also directed that unauthorised bus stops and passenger loading around the bridge should not be allowed, while pedestrians were advised to use designated walkways and keep away from the carriageway and construction areas.

He assured residents that work on the remaining carriageway would continue until the project was completed.

The opening triggered excitement among residents, community leaders and commuters, who said the intervention had brought relief to a community that had endured years of difficult movement.

Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the state government for responding to the concerns of residents and road users.

He pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to address emerging concerns, ensure proper management and maintenance of the infrastructure and encourage residents and transport operators to support the government’s efforts.

The Baale of Ajagunro-Owutu, Chief S.O. Orepitan Iwofun, also expressed appreciation to the governor and the Lagos State Government, saying residents of the Isawo axis had suffered considerable hardship because of the poor condition of the road.

He pledged the community’s cooperation in mobilising motorcycle and tricycle operators and other stakeholders to comply with government directives and facilitate the smooth completion and use of the road.

For residents, the opening represented more than the completion of a section of a bridge.

General Secretary of the CDC Ikorodu West LCDA/Road Committee, Abiodun  Sunday, said the community could finally breathe a sigh of relief after years of inconvenience.

“After years of patience, endurance and inconvenience, relief is finally here. No more wallowing through floodwater. No more climbing the staircase to get to the bridge deck,” he said.

He added that the community’s road committee had maintained close cooperation with the construction company and would continue to support efforts to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

Another commuter, Emmanuel Dickson, described the opening as a “dream come true”, recalling the hardship residents had endured while using the road.

“I don’t believe that I personally will drive and cross this road today. But to the glory of God, it’s just like a dream come true, because we have suffered a lot on this road. Today, I drove past it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Daramola inspected other ongoing road and bridge projects, including the rehabilitation of Itowolo Bridge and reconstruction of Aruna U-Turn in Ikorodu Local Government .

He said the positive feedback from residents was an indication of the impact of the administration’s infrastructure investments across the state.

“Today is just part of our routine inspection. You can recall that Mr Governor has commissioned and rehabilitated hundreds of roads across the state. Today has allowed us to go around and look at some of our ongoing road and bridge projects,” he said.

The Baale of Itowolo, Sikiru Kolawole Aregbeshola, commended the state government for rehabilitating the bridge, saying the project would improve mobility and make transportation safer and easier for residents.

He said the community had repeatedly appealed for government intervention and expressed gratitude that its concerns had finally been addressed.

The inspection team also visited the ongoing construction of the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and Approach Roads in Mile 12, Kosofe Local Government Area.

A resident, Dennis Adeola, commended the government for upgrading the former pedestrian bridge into a facility capable of accommodating both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

He said the pedestrian bridge had been unusable for almost four years, forcing residents to rely on canoes, particularly during periods of rainfall.

According to him, the intervention would restore safer and easier access for residents while reducing the hardship associated with daily movement.

Daramola, while stressing the need for residents to take ownership of the infrastructure, warned against activities capable of undermining the projects.

He said the state government would strengthen enforcement in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Ministries of Environment and Physical Planning and Urban Development.

“We are just the providers. However, we will synergise with our other agencies of government because enforcement is key. But the first thing we need is an attitudinal change. Let’s all take possession of the road and manage it well.

“It’s taxpayers’ money that is used to provide it. We will ensure enforcement and continue to sensitise the citizenry, letting Lagosians know it is all for one and one for all,” he said.