Lagos govt set to rehabilitate Ikorodu road
BY Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS- Lagos State Government said arrangements have been concluded to commence a comprehensive road intervention to mitigate the negative effects of floods ravaging the Ikorodu area of the state.
Similarly, the re-elected Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, while proclaiming the new legislative arm of the council weekend, assured the people of the council of enduring road projects in the current dispensation, saying, “rehabilitation of roads will be one of the top priorities of this administration, as we kick start work today.”
On Ikorodu Road, following the persistent heavy flooding, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, promised the people of the area of prompt action by relevant arms of the ministry and its agency, the Public Works Corporation, PWC, when the flood subsides, saying “the rehabilitation of the road will commence to ensure it is motorable and commuters move freely.”
Explaining the delay in the commencement of the road rehabilitation, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, through the Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mr. Biola Fagunwa, said that there was a subsisting federal contract on the road, which had prevented the state government’s planned intervention.
He added that the rehabilitation contract, which was awarded by Federal Government in Year 2009 to Messers HAJAIG Constructions Nig Ltd covers the 13.2km length of the road, but activities had ceased in the area in the past one year.
This according to the Ministry remained a major hindrance to the state’s plans. Also Ikorodu to Sagamu and the NNPC to Oke Afa were awarded by Federal government to Messers Impresit Bakalori Plc and PW (Nig.) Ltd, respectively in November 2009 for varying period of not more than 12 months.
“In the circumstances, it is difficult for the state government to re-award contracts that had not been legally terminated to another contractor. Hence, the only option for us is to continue with palliative works until the subsisting contracts are terminated or projects completed thus allowing for the state government to undertake further development.” Hamzat said.
