Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday flagged off a week long commissioning of 114 roads newly constructed in all the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, with a pledge to commence the construction of second round of another 114 roads across the State soon.
The construction of the inner roads, is an initiative of the Ambode administration and in fulfillment of his campaign promise.
The newly constructed 114 roads which were designed with walkways, medians, street lights and standard drainage systems will boost socio-economic activities in the various local governments.
Speaking at the formal flag off of the commissioning ceremony in Ikorodu North LCDA, Governor Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the remarkable feat was not only an eloquent confirmation of a promise kept, but a testimony of the popular saying that nothing can stop a people who have resolved to move forward.
“This means that the road network in our State of Excellence has increased by 56.1 Kilometers. It means that we have added 112 Kilometres of walkways and covered drains. And it means additional 56.1 kilometres of our roads are being lit by independent powered street lights to improve the security of our neighborhoods, the visibility of pedestrians, commuters and motorists as well as creation of a night economy. ”
Giving an insight as to how the roads were selected, the Governor said in line with the principle of civic engagement of his administration, Community Development Associations (CDAs) were encouraged to suggest the roads requiring construction according to their needs, adding that the CDAs were also motivated to participate in the monitoring of the projects with the view to taking ownership on completion.
Part of the projects commissioned were the Jimoh Street in Ikorodu North LCDA and Ketu-Alapere Lay-by which is characterized by the construction of a two-lane access road from Iyana Oworo inwards Alapere-Ketu and would relieve traffic flow towards Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Ojodu-Berger.
He also urged transport unions to educate their members on observation of State Traffic Laws and road etiquette for the safety of all, saying that the provision of the lay-by will considerably reduce travel time for all motorists therefore, commercial vehicles have no cause to create gridlocks in order to get to their destinations.
