Residents of Orile Ilasan and Iroko-Awe communities of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa, Lagos State have called on Hi-Tech construction company, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos and the commissioner, Ministry of Physical planning and Urban Development to notify them regarding the time and date of the remarking of communities and buildings with the agreed 50-meter measurement for the new coastal road re-alignment.

A statement co-signed by the two chairmen of the communities, Thompson Ugbomere and Yemisi Opemo and management of Vines Realty Afrique Ltd, said the call followed deliberations and decisions made at a meeting with the Minister of works, David Umah and Orile-Ilasan/Iroko-Awe communities of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa on April 11.

They said in meeting, it was resolved that notification from Hi-Tech construction company, Federal Ministry of Works, Ministry of Physical Planning & Infrastructure and the Lands Bureau regarding the time and date of the remarking of communities & buildings with the agreed 50-meter measurement for the new coastal road re-alignment should be made known before commencement.

They commended the Minister of Works, H.E David Umahi for his intervention over the road expansion project “Your swift action and commitment to ensuring the coastal road is done, minimizing the impact of the road expansion project have not gone unnoticed and we sincerely appreciate your efforts in ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for all stakeholders,” they said.

“We, the residents of Orile Ilasan/Iroko-Awe community of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa, are writing to recap the discussions held during the stakeholders meeting convened on Thursday, 11th April, 2024 and to share with you the decisions made by our community following the meeting.

“On 20th March 2024, representatives from the Ministry of Works, Ministry Of Physical Planning, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Hi-Tech Construction (consultants to the federal government), and other relevant stakeholders visited our community to assess the impact of the proposed road expansion project.

“During this visit, it was determined that an expanse of 120 meters was initially measured by error for the road expansion, resulting in significant concern among residents as many houses and fully developed communities were marked for demolition using the 120metres alignment as against the planned 50metres. “Additionally, there was a discrepancy observed in the alignment of the coastal road, which further exacerbated the situation.

“On behalf of the residents of Orile-Ilasan/Iroko-Awe community of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Works H.E Engr David Umahi for his prompt intervention and display of compassion during the recent stakeholders meeting.

“In response to these concerns, the stakeholders meeting that was convened by His Excellency Engr David Umahi, Minister of Works, to address citizen grievances provided clarity on the matter at Eko Hotel on 11th April,2024.

“The Minister of works made the following declarations during the meeting:”That the road expansion will not exceed 50 meters (four lanes) from Ahmadu Bello Way to Jakande, thereby ensuring that Orile-Ilasan/Iroko-Awe communities of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa will no longer be affected as erroneously envisaged.

“The original alignment behind, designated for the coastal road, will be utilized as the first option for the road expansion, with the new 50 meters being taken from the originating point of the alignment towards the community.

“The rail line will commence from Jakande to Lekki-Free-Zone, Ibeju Lekki only on the ten(10) lane road as first phase.

“From Ahmadu Bello and Jakande axis of the coastal road is four(4) lane road and does not have the train/rail track. Orile-Ilasan/Iroko-Awe communities of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa fall within the Ahmadu Bello Way and Jakande axis of the coastal road project.

“That compassion will be exercised to minimize loss for affected residents, prioritizing areas with minimal resistance for realignment and ensuring minimal bends on the coastal road.

“That Hi-Tech construction will revisit the site to redo the alignment and remark the ROW re-alignment in the Orile-Ilasan/Iroko-Awe communities of Elegushi Royal Estate, Eti-Osa, excluding all previously marked buildings for demolition and establishing new alignments.

“That Minimal demolition will be conducted in the affected axis, if necessary. Demolished properties will be compensated irrespective of documentation, except for shanties.

“That all occupants affected will be engaged, and compensation discussions will precede any demolition activities, ensuring that residents are adequately compensated before demolition begins.

“That a physical meeting for property assessment, valuation and negotiation will be conducted thereafter payment checks will be issued for the agreed compensation amounts within 72hours before any demolition can commence,” the statement said.

According to the statement, The Minister also stated that they will engage the property owners directly and pay compensation to the said owners. This is irrespective of your documentation on the said property.

“Part of the agreement at the meeting was that the two communities would appoint representatives to support government officials during the operation, ensuring a smooth process and protecting the interests of all concerned.”

They commended the Hon. Minister David Umahi and his team for their prompt attention to the matter and favorable response.