The Lagos State Government has called on residents, particularly those in the Ikeja axis, to give their cooperation for the smooth delivery of the Right of Way (RoW) of the improvement works at major junctions within the Toyin/Opebi/Allen and Adebola/ Salvation areas.
The call was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting jointly organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and Ministry of Transportation at the LASPPPA Headquarters, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.
Commissioner Olumide, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, said that the junction improvement works, based on the urban intervention programme generated from the Model City Plan, were being done in cognisance of indices such as population growth, changes in land use patterns and the ongoing Opebi-Odo Iya Alaro link bridge.
He said that the two Ministries involved were collaborating to ensure the success of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, especially regarding the socio-economic development of the concerned areas.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to stakeholders’ engagement as an avenue for open dialogue and collaboration between the government and the community to foster active participation and sharing of ideas and suggestions to move the project forward.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Oluwaseun Oshiyemi, emphasised the importance of the bottom-up approach in development projects, noting that it was important for key stakeholders such as government officials, community leaders, residents, and business owners to come together and harmonise ideas on critical projects such as the junction improvement works.
He called for understanding and support throughout the junction improvement works, especially the delivery of the RoW stage that might necessitate the removal of encroaching structures.
He explained that the aim of the government was to enhance traffic flow and safety at these critical junctions, as well as ensure the efficient delivery of public infrastructure projects.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, who gave a brief of the project, said that improving junctions and ensuring the delivery of rights of way were essential components of urban planning and development.
“By engaging with stakeholders, the government can gather valuable insights and feedback that will help inform the decision-making process and ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are taken into consideration”, he said.
Musa, who spoke through a Director in the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Adebayo Osomo, added that the junction improvements would complement the Odo Iya Alaro/Opebi link bridge to ease traffic and enhance interconnectivity.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Management Authority (LASPEMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso urged residents to cooperate with the government in maintaining laid-down regulations, including those guiding the use of Incidental Open Spaces.
Business owners and residents of the axis expressed their support for the junction improvement works, describing it as a welcome development while calling for its speedy completion and compensation where needed.
