By Kingsley Adegboye

Messrs China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation, CCECC which is currently handling the rail content of the ongoing expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, has been awarded the contract for the construction of the second phase of the 10-lane expressway.

The phase which is referred to as Lot A runs from Maza-Maza to Okokomaiko. CCECC is one of the five construction firms that bidded for the contract.

Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat disclosed these facts at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was initiated to bring on board the views of those who will be affected by the construction of the ten-lane dual carriageway by the government.

He noted that the plan to expand the road was to harness economic value to the State. Hamzat said the development will not only open up the West African market to Nigerian business and traders but will also affect positively the value of properties along the corridor. He noted on completion the road will impact on economic, commercial and social activities on the corridor.

Commenting on Lot 1, the commissioner said the project is still on-going. This is because of the   rail component of the project and the fact that it is being handled by two companies with the challenges of timeline and necessity of interface.
Responding to comment by stakeholders, the Commissioner assured property owners that due diligence will be followed just as he assured that the State Government will abide by its citizen’s right always.

He disclosed that the Right of Way for the project is 120 metres, adding that the State is committed to carrying the people along as it implements its development agenda.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa urged all the owners of abandoned vehicles on the axis to remove them so as to forestall their being towed just as he said the LASTMA is geared towards effective traffic management when the project takes off.

He explained that the motor parks and mechanic village indiscriminately sited around the corridor will be eliminated and other options provide to ensure business.