By Lukman Olabiyi, Lagos
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the 450 meters Ariyo (Mile 10)-Ira-Muwo-Tedi-Abule Oshun Road alignment in Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamza, said that the project would help ease traffic burdens on the ever-busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway
‘This is in line with the first pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu–led administration which targets the provision of roads as a critical infrastructure that will support economic activities.
‘It will also enable commercial interactions, boost inter-connectivity across the state and ensure ease of commuting from one part of the state to another through the elimination of traffic gridlocks,’ he said.
According to him, construction work is ongoing on two other vital link roads – Irede Road and Omila-Onikere Road- adding that after completion they will not only eliminate traffic gridlocks but also boost economic activities.
The governor noted that the administration is giving priority to roads that lead to jetties, while also embarking on the construction of new jetties.
‘We are also inaugurating the construction of phases four and five of Muwo Jetty and the road up to the Jetty car park.
‘Also is the construction of Tedi Muwo Road through Abule Oshun Road which connects with the ongoing Irede Road,’ he said.
Sanwo-Olu appealed to stakeholders, traders, commuters and others to take ownership of the facilities.
He urged them to avoid all actions that would compromise the quality and life-span of the roads.
‘These projects belong to you and you must protect them jealously and treat them with the utmost care,’ he said.
Earlier in her address, the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, said that the roads would serve as internal links to decongest the highways which are one of the busiest in the state.
Adeyoye also said that it would bring an end to congestion and gridlock within the residential and commercial axis in the area.
She said that Ojo (Mile 10) axis was one of the busiest and most strategic on the Lagos Badagry Expressway, given its connection to the commercial nerve centre of Alaba Electronics and furniture markets; with its major linkages to commercial areas such as Ariyo, Olojo Road, Ira, Muwo, Tedi, Trade Fair Market and others.
‘The completion of the Ariyo (Mile 10)-Ira-Muwo-Tedi-Abule Oshun Road alignment with link bridges seeks to provide a functional bypass to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway between Ojo, Alaba, Volks and Trade Fair Bus-Stops.
‘The first phase of the project was awarded in 2008 but had some hiccups leading to its re-award in 2012,’ she said.