7th September, 2017
…As LASG, stakeholders jaw-jaw
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The ongoing reconstruction of the 10-lane Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria has been designed to include two flyover and three pedestrian bridges, even as the Lagos State Government solicited cooperation from stakeholders to fast-track the completion.
At a stakeholders’ meeting for the reconstruction of the road held at the Welcome Centre Hotel, Airport Road on Thursday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode charged residents, stakeholders and motorists plying the axis to be patient with the government for the little inconvenience to be experienced during the reconstruction.
Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya said the road, at present was a 2-lane dual carriageway with on either side with worn-out existing asphaltic pavement dotted with surface cracks, corrugation and large pot holes.
He explained that the route alignment from the International Airport had three major spurs leading to Ikeja metropolis via the Toll Gate and Local Airport, as the second spur led to the Isolo/Mafoluku axes, while the third spur led to Oshodi and Apapa Expressway.
The governor stated that the stakeholders meeting was in line with the inclusive governance mantra of the present administration to run an open, robust and all inclusive government where citizens would not only have a voice but also determine the direction and scope of developmental projects.
“Let me also state that in spite of the huge financial resources being committed to this project which is being sourced from the Internally Generated Revenue of the State Government, the project will be toll-free.
“This project is expected to give a modern face-lift to Nigeria’s International Gateway through reconstruction/upgrade of the existing dual carriageway of two lanes on either side into a 10-lane expanded gateway with five lanes on either side to conform with International standards obtainable in developed nations of the world.
“The expanded gateway will enhance vehicular movement from the International Airport unto the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and to immediate environs of Ikeja metropolis, Isolo and Mafoluku axes. It will also eliminate the gridlock experienced by commuters travelling outside the country and those coming in, while the construction of the various bridges and upgrade of the road will solve the traffic gridlock and reduce travel time.
“Let me say without mincing words there are bound to be some inconvenience during the construction period but measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact. We therefore solicit your co-operation, support and understanding keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to facilitate improvement in the quality of life and overall standard of living of communities within the vicinity of the project,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Jimi Hotonu, said the government convened the forum in order to declare its intention and addressed anxiety of stakeholders on the project.
He said the 10 lanes would be reconstructed to include lane markings, provisions of laybys and bus shelters along the service lanes; grassing of median and dedicated green areas, provision of trapezoidal drains with installation of manhole covers, among others.
Managing Director, Hitech Construction, the contractor handling the project, Ivan Bekker, assured that the road would be constructed to meet world standard.
He also solicited for the co-operation of residents and appealed for assistance of traffic management authorities so as to help reduce the inconvenience that would arise during construction work.