Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday rolled out a major infrastructural overhaul in the Epe Division of the State, flagging off the reconstruction of Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway after it was abandoned for some years.
The Governor flagged off the first phase of the road project on Sunday at a ceremony held at the Pan African University in Eleko, Ibeju Lekki area. The first phase, which will be completed in 20 months, will cover 18.75 kilometres, stretching from Eleko to T-Junction in Epe.
Residents have heaved a sigh of relief at the kick off of the reconstruction. The road was constructed in 1981 as a single carriageway but underwent an upgrade to a two-lane carriageway in 2006. Its condition, however, became deplorable as a result of population growth and increased vehicular traffic.
Sanwo-Olu’s intervention would see the entire stretch from Eleko to Epe dualised on the rigid pavement, with three lanes on each side. A lane on each side will be dedicated as toll weighbridges only for heavy-duty vehicles.
The governor, while declaring the project open, said the ceremony symbolised his administration’s revolutionary efforts at making life better for Lagos citizens and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
He said the Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe corridor was strategically important to the state’s economic prosperity, stressing that the completion of the project would further strengthen his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He vowed that no part of Lagos would be left behind in his quest for transformational projects.
Sanwo-Olu urged residents of the area to take ownership of the project and support the contractor for timely completion. He also urged the youths in the area to take advantage of the construction work to improve their skills.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said: “Residents and road users along this axis have clamoured for a solution to the suffocating nature of the perennial traffic gridlock along the Lekki-Epe Expressway especially at the Ajah Junction. This project will help to resolve the gridlock at Ajah/Ado-Badore Roundabout and environs while ensuring the Lagos-bound traffic is effectively channeled.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olujimi Hotonu, said the State Government settled for the rigid pavement option for durability and a longer life span of about 40 years.
When completed, the road will connect several communities, including Eleko, Onosa, Alatishe, Aiyeteju, Ajaganagbe, Oko Orisa, Ilasan, Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe.
