WorldStage Newsonline– Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has called on communities in and around Omu-Creek to support the government in achieving the construction of Omu-Creek road with bridge.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, made the appeal at a stakeholders meeting on the construction of the first phase of Omu-Creek road with bridge, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, on Friday in Lagos.
Olumide, represented by Mr Oluwole Sotire, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, said that the Omu-Creek Road project was one of the many great examples of the infrastructure improvements of the state government.
According to him, this aligns with the goals outlined in Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
He believed that this new road would improve connectivity and the economy of the area.
He said, “ As we deepen our developmental efforts in your Local Government Area, it is important that all hands must be on deck to ensure the successful takeoff and completion of the Omu-Creek Road project to enhance connectivity and vastly improve the socio-economic development of the state.
“To this end, I urge members of the communities in and around Omu Creek Road(Phase1) as well as the entire Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State to give their unalloyed support to the people that will be involved in the project.
“The support should also include staff of the Office of Physical Planning and Lands Bureau, who shall have to establish and deliver the Right of Way, and respectively carry out enumeration of affected property for the project to birth successfully.
“And produce the expected benefits of improved transportation and interconnectivity within the state while also enhancing property value among others.’’
Olumide emphasised that public infrastructure like roads were collective assets which belong to everyone in the community.
He said that it was the responsibility of everyone to “monitor and protect” these public assets, including the new road to be constructed.
The commissioner promised that the government would take all necessary steps to finish the project on time, adding that it would try its best to minimise any disruptions caused by the construction.
He acknowledged that some structures might need to be removed to make way for the road, noting that this removal would only happen if absolutely necessary for the project.
He assured that any property affected would be compensated according to the rules.
The Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Lagos state, Mr Olufemi Daramola, congratulated the communities in and around the axis and convinced them of the project’s benefits and why they should support it.
He noted that the project aligned with Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s development plan, emphasising the government’s focus on infrastructure.
Daramola assured the community that the upcoming wet season would not be a problem for commuters, suggesting improvements compared to the past.
He encouraged residents to appreciate the Governor’s efforts in developing the area, emphasising that the project followed the state’s long-term development strategy.
Daramola, who highlighted the project’s significance, said it had the potential to increase property value in the area.
He requested the community’s cooperation for the success of the project, saying this is presented as the beginning of further development initiatives in the area.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr Lateef Somide, while discussing the project brief, noted that the road, about 600 metres bridge length, would open up the creek and improve economic activity of that corridor.
He said that the road would be in two sections and would have pavements of 3.65 metres each just like what was being done presently in Lekki Epe expressway.
He said, “ So it tells you that, that particular road will have nothing less than over 50 years life span upon completion and economic activities on that road will be enhanced.’’
Mr Tomilola Olatinwo, Project Consultant, Advanced Engineering Consultants, explained some of the challenges and considerations that would go into the designing of the project.
He revealed that the soil around the creek was weak and would require special attention, adding that there was a need to build a very strong foundation, possibly going down 60 to 70 meters, to account for this.
Olatinwo also said that due to the difficult soil conditions, the project would be more expensive than usual.
The consultant said that the road was designed to have a three-lane carriageway on each side of the road, including the bridge to handle the expected traffic volume in that area.
The Project Director, Zakhia Bozhouny, Craneburg Construction Company, promised that the construction work on the Omu-Creek road project would be of the highest quality.
He said that the company would use the best materials and construction methods to build a road that is durable, safe, and functional.
Stakeholders at the meeting appealed to the state government for fair compensation for their loss and fair treatment during the construction process.
