13th October, 2010
As part of plans to give them a face-lift, the Lagos State government is constructing and upgrading projects in Ajeromi/Ifelodun and Apapa Local Government Areas of the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ganiyu Johnson, said the projects were part of government’s urban regeneration programme to cushion the effects of flooding in the areas.
Johnson said, during an inspection last week, that most of the projects would be completed before the end of this year and called on residents and the entire people of Lagos to pay their taxes to facilitate completion of the projects, noting that government uses tax payers’ money to provide amenities.
The Special Adviser gave a breakdown of work done to include demolition of obstructing structures, construction of various types of drains, asphalting, landscaping and beautification as well as construction of culverts, among others.
Also inspected was a magistrate’s court building under construction at Orege area of Ajegunle. The decision to build the new structure, according to Johnson, was informed by the dilapidated state of the old court building as evidenced by the visible structural cracks on its walls.
He said the old building was found to be structurally defective and had to be demolished to pave the way for the construction of a new structure.
On construction of Olumokun/Olayinka/Sanusi/Oduduwa streets in Ajeromi, the Special Adviser explained that the road serves as link for residents of Ajeromi and Ifelodun communities, who had long been separated by system canal in the area.
He highlighted other benefits of the road to include provision of job opportunities for artisans, improved standard of living and reduction in flooding, among others.
At another location in Ajeromi/Ifelodun council, a 100-bed medical and child care centre, which Johnson said is ready for commissioning, was equally inspected.
According to him, two similar ones have been built in Ikorodu and Isolo, while another is under construction in Amuwo Odofin.
The last inspection was the construction of Adekunle-Deen road in Apapa Local Government Area, the length of which was put at 715 metres and with 79 per cent work progress.
Johnson explained that the construction was designed to provide access to Sari-Iganmu community, improve standard of living of the residents, enhance hydraulic drainage system discharge and serve as traffic diversion particularly during the construction of Lagos-Badagry Expressway, among others.
