By Tope Joshua

The poor state of roads in Lagos is now a source of concern to most Lagosians given its multiple effects on socio- economic activities in the state. There is a total collapse of infrastructure in virtually every part of the state, thereby bringing misery to over 20 million Lagosians.

Specifically, major roads in the state are in deplorable state while the inner roads are also in state of disrepair.For instance, major roads such as Herbert Macaulay, Agege Motor Road, Lawanson-Itire, LUTH-Idi-Araba are a nightmare. Generally, roads in Yaba, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Ogba, Ojudu, Ketu, Agege, Mushin, Surelere, Bariga, Shomolu, Oke-Odo, Abule-Egba and other areas are in a terrible state. The depth of gullies on the roads is scary. This is just to mention a few.

Attestation to how bad the roads and other infrastructure in the state are, are evident in a report by The Economist Intelligence Unit and World Bank. In its 2018 Global Liveability Index, it recently ranked Lagos the third worst city for humans to live in the world.

Sanwo-Olu

With the ever growing population of the state, the challenge has increased traffic gridlock in the metropolis.

This is indeed a low point for the state’s megacity status and its dream of being a smart city.

The situation however presents an urgent task to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This is one area where Lagosians expect more from Sanwo-Olu when he becomes governor.

It is expected that with good infrastructure, the quality of life in the state would be improved.

https://newlive.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/achieving-special-status-for-lagos-is-non-negotiable-sanwo-olu/

The governorship hopeful, who is bringing experience and vigour to the table is believed to be familiar with the issues given his plans for renewal of infrastructure. And there are no doubts about his ability to deliver for the benefit of Lagosians.

His plans for infrastructure are as viable as his chances of winning the governorship race. At a recent event in Lagos, he further explained his infrastructure roadmap thus: “Our plan is to expand and improve on existing infrastructure project. Government is a continuum and we will continue with existing projects to the benefit of Lagos. Our focus remains ‘Towards a greater Lagos: A collective effort.

“Lagos’ population currently is over 20 million, with a projected figure of close to 30 million in the next decade. This is despite its being the smallest State in Nigeria with a land area of 3,577 square Kilometres, which means 0.4 per cent of total land area of Nigeria’s 923,768 square kilometres.

“Our plan will be to build an intermodal transport system by integrating road, rail and water transportation in Lagos to solve the problem of commuting within the metropolis.

“Therefore, we will move very fast to complete the ongoing blue line rail project from Okokomaiko to Marina and in the process aggressively pursue the rehabilitation of Lagos -Badagry Expressway and explore the realisation of the red line from Agbado to Marina. In preparing for rehabilitating various inner roads, the three Asphalt plants will be turned around and made ready to put people to work in order to make our roads motorable throughout the year.”

*Joshua a public affairs analyst writes from Mushin