The completion of on-going road projects in Lagos State in the New Year would be the primary focus of the Fashola’s administration, even as efforts are being made to ensure that every geo-political zones in the state benefit from one road construction or the other.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat dropped the hint during a media parley with journalists in his office to showcase the activities of his ministry in year 2013.

According to him, in 2014, his ministry would intensify on the completion of on-going road projects, rather than building new ones, adding that there was no point in constructing new roads when on-going ones were yet to be completed and commissioned.

Hamzat noted, that about 900 roads had either been rehabilitated or completed in the out gone year, pointing out, that, this year, more emphasis would be placed on the completion of those road projects that work commenced on in 2013.

His words: “Since the administration would be winding down as from 2014, it would a great disservice to the people of the state for on-going road projects to be abandoned. His Excellency Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola would be keen to see that all existing road projects were given top priority attention by ensuring that they were completed and commissioned before the end of the tenure of the present administration”.

Hamzat hinted that there is no local government or council area in the state that does not have an on-going road project or the other, pointing out, that it is a deliberate policy to make all the geo-political zones feel the presence of government.

According to him, the ministry usually considers connectivity in choosing any road project, notinhg that this development has no doubt, helped in shaping the road project that had so been undertaken by his ministry.

He said that even if all the resources and ability were available to prosecute any road project, it would not be feasible to do all the roads in one year. He was quick to add, that building roads in riverine areas is very expensive.

The commissioner said that it was expedient for the people to ensure that these roads being constructed with tax payers’ money were properly maintained, adding that by so doing, their life span would be extended. He was quick to point out, that the state government was not taking ownership of these roads but that the people should see them as their own and therefore take good care of them.

He lamented a situation where most of these roads were being abused by those who continually dig them; allowing waste water to overflow into them, warning that these activities no doubt would impact negatively on the life span of such roads.

Hamzat said that the ministry was constructing pedestrian bridges in some areas of the state such as Cement Bus stop, Ijaye, Ile Epo but was quick to point out, that the one at Ile Epo was currently under litigation because of a resident who said that the project was inimical to business interest.

The commissioner however said that the state government was looking into ways of resolving it so that the project could go on.

He frowned at the way people have turned the pedestrian bridges into bus stop, adding that this development should be discouraged.

He also used the occasion to hint that the Tinubu Square Fountain now has a facility manager with the sole aim of ensuring that it remained the pride of the state government and a tourist attraction.

On the Ayobo Road project, he hinted that the completion period is not something that be determined by sheer guessing because of the impediments the ministry was currently experiencing in respect of the road.

He said that the project was being curtailed by the lack of drawing from the corporation, pointing out, that the ministry would wait for the corporation to get its bearing right before continuing the project because ‘safety is the paramount thing on our minds’.

And peter obi is busy sharing textbooks?

The most important thing Governor Fashola needs to do and complete is the Eko Raill project! Get those beasts roaring from 4:30 am till 12:30 pm and start all over the next day! Finish that before the middle of this year and if possible complete the Lekki Airport! Don't let your hard work be abused by people who would not give credit because it was not finished by you! At least finish part of the Eko Rail network and get it running please!

Eko O Ni baje o!
Forward ever Yorubas!