By Kingsley Adegboye & Favour Nnabugwu

Worried by the deterioration of the ever-busy Oshodi -Apapa expressway and the resultant flooding each time it rained, the new Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolemenen at the weekend called on the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola to assist the Federal Government to recover the road’s right of way which has been taken over by illegal businesses.

The Minister who was making his first official visit to Lagos, noted that the reason “why we have the flooding in that area is because all the drainage provided have been completely blocked because of the illegal use the right of way which illegal businesses on that road generate”. He explained that the recent spate of flooding has brought to the fore, the need to clear the manholes of the rubbish.

The Minister who claimed that Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Borini Prono have commenced palliative measures on some terrible portions on the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway pending when the major rehabilitation will start after the rains.

Arc. Onolemenen stated that because of thestrategic role of Lagos, the Federal Government will do all that is within its powers to ensure that road infrastructure in Lagos particularly those that serve the economy are put in good motorable conditions all year round.

The Minister who noted that most of the Federal roads in Lagos are in the states of disrepair, however said it was gratifying to note that contractors handling Oshodi/Apapa Expressway are on ground.

The Ministry, he said, will drive the contractors so that the speed of construction can be accelerated. “We have a challenge that has to do with funding. We will do all we can to ensure that certificates are paid as at when due so that cost overrun does not set in,” he assured.

“The contractors handling Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Julius Berger and Borini Prono are very competent. We are satisfied with their work plan. What is left for us is to meet our part of the bargain so that the pace of work can increase. The contractors have assured me also that after the rains, the pace of work will increase.

“So, if that is done, and Lagos State Government collaborates with us, as we discussed with Gov. Babatunde Fashola in his office this morning, particularly in the management of the road, Lagos residents will soon have cause to smile”, the Minister said.

The minister called on Lagos residents to improve on their sanitation habits, adding that this has becomes imperative as the spate of flooding in the metropolis is due to the abuse of drainage channels.

He urged them to refrain from dumping human wastes and debris in the drains, as it is clear that if drains are blocked and it rains, the toll will be heavy on the people.

“I believe that every citizen of the state needs to play a key role particularly those who engage in illegal activities on the right of way of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway.

And with the promise of the Governor to recover the right of way, once that is done, the problem of perennial flooding on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway will be minimised”, Arc. Onolemenen said.