Still On Lagos Redevelopment Profile

Nwonah Olubukonla

As part of the Lagos State Government unwavering determination to transforming the State and delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians, the Government through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has been working tirelessly on massive development and redevelopment of critical projects and infrastructure experienced in various parts of the State. These efforts are targeted towards the regeneration and urbanization of Lagos State into a befitting Mega city that is safe, livable and economically buoyant.

The Ministry’s main concerns include the spatial orderliness, improving the aesthetic value, efficiency of operations in the planning, building control and urban regeneration. In order to key into the redevelopment plan of the State Government, the Ministry performed its statutory responsibilities bythe removal of encumbrances on the Right- of- Way for infrastructural development and the strategic relocation of Projects to more desirable and viable locations.

Right-of-Ways delivered engendered projects such as the Ojodu Berger, Oworonshoki Lay-Bys, Aboru-Abesan Link Bridge, Abule-Egba Bridge, Alapere-AgboyiKetu Slip Road, the turn-around of Mosafejo, the proposed Transport Interchange, and the Lagos-Epe Expressway amongst others. The delivery in no doubt has translated to tremendous improvement in vehicular and pedestrian movement in the State.

For the purpose of deliberating on matters of delivery of Right-of-Way and illegal developments, the Ministry organizes stakeholders’ meetings regularly to address grievances, complaints and petitions as alternative dispute resolution. In addition to this, Public Awareness Campaigns are also periodically embarked upon to enlighten citizens on the Ministry’s services.

It is however important to state here that before any removal exercise is undertaken, the Ministry ensures the service of all statutory notices as prescribed by law. This would allow for alleged contraveners to prove otherwise or restore the land to its original state by removing the said contravention.

For overriding public interest, stakeholders’ engagements are usually held to obtain public participation and buy-in before the removal of the illegal project. Documentations provided for properties removed would facilitate the payment of compensation.

Much cannot be said on removal of encumbrances for overriding public interest without discussing payment of compensation. Inasmuch as infrastructural development is important, correspondingly the payment of compensation is germane particularly where properties have been taken over by Government for collective public good.

As a responsible and responsive Government with the well-being of people at heart, Government takes its obligation of compensation seriously and has completed payment to those whose properties were affected by the construction of the Mosafejo-Oshodi Transport Hub project and the road construction for Ojodu Berger.The payment process which began on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Alausa covered buildings, shops, offices and other developments removed within the area marked for construction. The process of compensation has also commenced for economic crops and property affected by the construction of Timberville at Agbowa and the pedestrian bridge.

In the light of this, His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode at different fora assured all affected of Government’s undoubted commitment to paying them compensation. The Ministry however,  implores those affected to submit requisite documents pertaining to the affected structures to facilitate the compensation process in accordance with extant laws.

Interestingly, Urban-based studies have shown the need to redirect economic activities inhibiting the planning process thereby bringing about negative impact on the environment. This is the reason why certain activities in Lagos State are to be relocated to more desirable and viable locations.

Consequently, Government has commenced the process of relocation of the Okobaba Sawmill in Ebute-Metta to Timberville, Agbowa/IkosiEjinrin, LCDA. Interestingly, the relocation is at no cost to the Sawmillers. Government had put in place the necessary infrastructure and this record-breaking project has reached its advanced stage and almost ready for operational take-off.

Also in a bid to tackle the problem of environmental degradation, housing stock deficit and traffic congestion in the Ikeja axis, the State Government has decided to relocate Computer Village to ICT Park Katangowa in Agbado/OkeOdo Local Council Development Area. The relocation would deliver a World Class Computer and Allied Activities Park. The process leading to the commencement of the development is presently in the concluding phase. Work has commenced on the relocation of Anikantamo Plank Market Lagos Island to Idera City Scheme in Ibeju-Lekki.

As we are all aware, the present administration in Lagos State is running an all-inclusive government, which has demonstrated the need to include private sector and encourage stakeholders’ participation in Urban Renewal Programmes of Government. It provides a template for continuous improvement in identified slum areas such as Ijora/Oloye, Adeniji-Adele, Iwaya etc.

The Redevelopment of Isale – Gangan Phase I Project by pooling together of thirteen Land holding families with smaller plots of land was to encourage meaningful development that is sustainable and in consonance with global best practices. The result of this collaboration is the erection of an 11-floor structure with 48 serviced luxury apartments and a Multipurpose Hall on the 6th floor, on a 2500 square metre land area funded by the State Government. The structure is completed and ready for sale to members of the public. Another Urban Renewal Project is the Redevelopment of Isale-Gangan Phase 2. The same land pooling system was used in acquiring land of 2,465.913 Square Metres for a 13-floor Apartment Structure. The structure is currently under construction. Compensation has been paid to all the families involved.

In order to return sanity to the Adeniji Adele Housing Estate Phases I –V and improve the quality of the environment, this administration with the endorsement of the Residents’ Association decided to redevelop the entire 720 housing units in the estate into a residential mixed use development of 2500-3500 housing units with other ancillary uses of commercial, institutional and recreational open spaces through a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) venture.

As part of State Government efforts targeted at 5 per cent reduction of the number of slums, the Ministry engaged 25 communities among which are: Amukoko, Mosafejo, Gaskiya West CDA, Ajowa Community, Abete, Badia/Oguntayo North, Oworonsoki, Daramola Community. These communities have expressed their sincerity and willingness to work with Government in regenerating and redeveloping their communities.

Government, in line with its Agenda under the Slum Upgrading/Regeneration Programmes which includes Relocation Plan (RAP), is constructing Six Units of 3- Bedroom (Three-Storey Building) Transit Accommodation for displaced people during the redevelopment plan. These camps are provided at various parts of the State. The project is on-going and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

There is also the slum upgrade and urban renewal in Ifelodun and Barigaby Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency. The process of implementation and execution of LASG / AFD EKO-UP is currently on-going.

Nwonah is of the Lagos State Government