By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Amarachi Chukwudi

GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has said that about N1 trillion is required yearly to address the deficit in road infrastructure in the state.
Ambode, who spoke in Oshodi-Isolo at the ongoing inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 Local Government Areasm LGs and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, said the decision of his administration to engage indigenous contractors for the construction of 114 inner roads in the state will not only boost employment but also encourage the local construction industry to grow.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson at the commissioning of Kalejaiye Street, Ambode said: “We have to encourage our indigenous contractors because whether we like it or not, that is the one of the ways to generate employment.”

Ambode assured residents that any mistake committed by the indigenous contractors in the course of the project would be addressed, adding that the construction of the inner roads was in response to the yearning of the people.
He said: and when we engage them, there will be money in the circulation.
“We are challenging them to do their best and as government we don’t want to shy away from mistakes. If they (indigenous contractors) make mistakes, we also try to correct and encourage them. We are learning, it is a learning process and with time, I believe they will get there.”