16th July, 2012
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government says plans are underway to turn Epe into an industrial haven.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, disclosed this while monitoring ongoing projects in Epe.
“There is a plan in place to ensure that the division becomes a viable industrial axis in the state. The state government will ensure that a new water source capable of providing 700 million gallons will be put in place,” he stated.
He revealed that challenges had stalled the take off of the Marina shoreline reclamation contract which was awarded about two years ago, adding that lack of support continued to deny the people the benefit of projects.
At the site of the proposed Marina waterside, he said, “Remember this place is where Kosoko berthed when he came to Epe in 1851. It represents a tourist attraction as well as historical issue and basically we are trying to harness the tourism potential in this part of the State.”
He disclosed that the contract had already been awarded, adding that it was about 1.1 km in length and 100 metres in depth.
“The people digging sand at the shoreline will soon be relocated so that work can commence in earnest,’ he said.
He listed the benefits of the project to include shoreline protection, creation of recreational view where people can park their vehicles and children can play.
Hamzat stated further that the essence was to attract business to Epe, thereby discouraging congestion in central Lagos.
The commissioner called on communities where government projects were being located to embrace such projects in the overall interest of the state.