…As LASG Opens Agric-Isawo Road-Afa Bridge Section To Traffic
Lagosians today saluted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s giant strides in Infrastructure delivery, acknowledging that he has indeed left a mark on the sands of time.
This certification emerged during an inspection of ongoing Roads and Bridge Infrastructure projects by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engineer Olufemi Daramola, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Engineer Olutokunbo Oyenuga and other Technical Directors from the Office of Infrastructure.
The Special Adviser to Mr Governor also opened the inbound section of AFA Bridge on Agric–Isawo Road to traffic.
At Asolo Bridge on the Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Agric Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road with Bridge Project in Ikorodu Local Government Area, the Special Adviser noted that the progress on this project is appreciable.
2nd Left: Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure Engr. Olutokunbo O. Oyenuga and CCECC Project Manager during the Inspection of Itowolo Bridge
“There’s good progress on the bridge works. I’m happy to tell you that the inbound section of AFA Bridge on Agric–Isawo Road has been opened to traffic. Commuters can now safely use this section of the Bridge. It’s bye to driving through the floodplain. Construction, however, continues on the outbound section,” Daramola said.
Speaking during the opening, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Engr. Olutokunbo Oyenuga urged motorists, commuters and residents to observe the temporary traffic management measures and exercise caution, as the area remains a construction zone.
He noted that traffic would be managed along the single carriageway, particularly around the bridge and diversion points, and advised road users to observe the prescribed speed limit and avoid reckless driving.
The Special Adviser also directed that there should be no unauthorised bus stops or passenger loading around the bridge, stressing the need to maintain free traffic flow. Pedestrians were advised to use designated walkways and stay clear of the carriageway and construction zones for their safety.
The opened Bridge section of the Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road project
He assured residents that work on the remaining carriageway would continue, urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic and construction teams to facilitate the timely completion of the project.
In response to the opening of the Bridge for Public use, the Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the Lagos State Government for responding to the challenges faced by residents and road users in the area.
He pledged to engage relevant stakeholders to address their concerns, promote proper management and maintenance of the infrastructure, and encourage residents and transport operators to support the government’s efforts.
2nd R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, L: Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure Engr. Olutokunbo O. Oyenuga and R: Hitech Project Manager during the Inspection of the Bridge Section of the Agric Isawo – Konu-Arepo (Phase I) Project.
Also speaking, the Baale of Ajagunro-Owutu, Chief S.O. Orepitan Iwofun, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the intervention.
He noted that residents of the Isawo axis had endured considerable difficulties due to the condition of the road, describing the opening of the completed section as a welcome relief.
Chief Orepitan pledged the community’s cooperation in mobilising motorcycle and tricycle operators and other stakeholders to comply with government directives and ensure the smooth completion and effective use of the road.
During an interaction with residents on the Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road with Bridge Project, Abiodun Dare Sunday, General Secretary of the CDC Ikorodu West LCDA/ Road Committee, said After years of patience, endurance and inconvenience, relief is finally here. No more wallowing through floodwater. No more climbing the staircase to get to the Bridge Deck. ‘We have a road working committee that has been working with this company, and we never stopped till today. So that cooperation will continue. And as fast as possible, we know you are going to do it. Slow and steady, until success, it is joy at last.
M: Engr. Olutokunbo O. Oyenuga Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure R: Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju , Chairman Ikorodu-West L.C.D.A L: Chief S. O. Osipitan Iwofun, Baale Ajaguro Owutu Ikorodu during the opening of the Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road project.
Also, in his contribution to developments at Agric –Isawo Bridge, a commuter, Mr Emmanuel Dickson said, I don’t know how to start, but I just want to thank the government of Lagos State, the person of Governor Sanwo-Olu, for this great job. As a resident of this area,” I don’t believe that I personally will drive and cross this road today. But to the glory of God, it’s just like a dream come true, because we have suffered a lot with sweat on this road, but today I drive past it. So kudos to the Lagos State government. Thank you.
Speaking during the inspection of the Rehabilitation of Itowolo Bridge and Reconstruction of Aruna U-Turn in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Daramola said the testimonials of the residents are an indication of an above-par rating for the current Administration in the State.
He said, “Today is just part of our routine inspection. You can recall that Mr Governor has commissioned and rehabilitated hundreds of roads across the State, so today has allowed us to go around and look at some of our ongoing road and bridge projects.
While appreciating residents and road users for their patience and understanding so far, he however urged commuters to drive carefully, obey all traffic signs and instructions, and keep clear of the construction area.
He also assured the rejoicing residents that the project will be completed on schedule.
Feedback gathered from the inspection of the Rehabilitation of Itowolo Bridge and Reconstruction Aruna U-Turn in Ikorodu Local Government, the Baale of Itowolo, Chief Sikiru Kolawole Aregbeshola, said, “I sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge in our community. This intervention means a lot to us because the condition of the bridge has been a major concern for residents over the years.
“We have repeatedly appealed for government intervention, and we are grateful that our concerns have finally been heard. The rehabilitation will greatly improve movement and make transportation easier and safer for members of the community. So I thank you for bringing up the repair of this bridge; it is very laudable and thoughtful, and it shows a lot of deeper thinking on the part of the State Government.
R: Engr. Olutokunbo O. Oyenuga Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure M: Engr. Gbadamosi Kamaldeen Director, Planning,Research and Design Department L: Contractor during the opening of the Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road Project
“We are grateful for what has been done, and we pray that the government will continue to bring more development to Itowolo and surrounding communities, the Bale said.
The Inspection team also visited the construction of the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and Approach Roads in Mile 12, Kosofe Local Government Area, where Engineer Dennis Adeola, a resident, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the upgrading of the Pedestrian Bridge to a bridge meant for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
He said, “For almost four years, our pedestrian bridge has been out of use, causing immense hardship for residents. We are forced to cross using canoes, which is particularly dangerous during rainfall and difficult for elderly people to access. Long queues and delays also make daily movement frustrating.
“We sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government for urgently addressing the bridge problem and restoring safe and easy access for everyone in our community.
On the various forms of abuse noted during the inspection, the Special Adviser added that residents should take ownership of the projects. It’s not for one person. “We are just the providers. However, we will synergise with our other agencies of government, Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and other MDAs because enforcement is key.
“But the first thing is we need to have an attitudinal change. Let’s all take possession of the road. Let’s manage it well. It’s taxpayers’ money that is used to provide it; we would ensure enforcement and continue to sensitise the citizenry, letting Lagosians know it is all for one and one for all.”