LASG TO BUILD IKORODU, AYOBO LINK ROADS

The Lagos State Government has said it is ready to begin the construction of a new link road to Ikorodu from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and another road to link Ayobo-Ipaja to LASU-Iba Road.

The government also stated that it would expand the existing Ikorodu Road, adding that the projects were part of strategies adopted by the state to bring succour to residents of Ikorodu and its environs.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, in a statement on Tuesday said the decision to embark on the projects was informed by the large population of the areas and the need to ensure unhindered movement of goods and services.

He explained that the expansion of Ikorodu Road would take precedence over the other two, adding that it would include the creation of a BRT lane.

He said, 'The road from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would also pass through Ojodu-Berger. We are currently mapping the area again to avoid extensive demolition that a present route plan entails. As for the Ayobo-Ipaja Road, the government has completed the design. It will incorporate Aiyetoro and Isuti to link LASU-IBA Road. But this project will take off in 2012.'

Hamzat called on the Federal Government to protect roads in the country by providing train services to undertake haulage of goods and services.

He noted that the use of heavy duty vehicles in the movement of goods and services was having untold consequences on roads across the country.

'The practice all over the world is to move goods and services using the rail line. Nigeria is long overdue for a new rail system that would ensure easier movement,' Hamzat said.

The commissioner also said the on-going expansion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway by the state was a project of the Federal Government.

He added that the state was compelled to construct it to complement the already built West African Highway running from Guinea through Togo and Ghana.