Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Anifowoshe Abiola has observed that the city is acclaimed to be growing faster that New York and Los Angeles in the United States of America, thereby making it mandatory for any plans to ensure the welfare of the people to be elaborate.
According to him, Lagos, unlike any other city in Nigeria, requires adequate planning considering its limited landmass and its ever increasing population.
The population he emphasised, is considered to be growing faster than that of the states of New York and Los Angeles in the United States of America.
Abiola spoke today at a Stakeholders’ Forum themed “Keying into Benefits of City Development for Urban Sustainability” at Ojo Town Hall with professionals in the building industry, traditional rulers, members of Community Development Associations, artisans, market men and women in Ojo area of the State.
He made it clear that the state government would not compromise the development of the Badagry Development Master Plan in view of the economy viability of the axis and its importance to the growth of the State economy.
He said that the state government is determined to open up the axis for more government presence as well as improve the welfare and wellbeing of residents in the area.
This was even as the General Manager of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, Toyin Abdul said that the State Government had embarked on the expansion of Lagos-Badagry Expressway into ten lanes including BRT lanes as well as the provision of Light Rail, in view of the strategic location of Badagry.
He emphasized that the developmental plan for the area will pave way for more key projects such as Alaba new mixed development area, Alaba International Market (Electronics), Linear Park Stations and upgrading of various schools in Ojo and its environs, adding that other upgrades will include health facilities and waterfront development in addition to the proposed Deep Sea Port and Refinery for the area.
Abdul underscored the need for public involvement in every segment of planning, hence the periodic stakeholders’ forum as an avenue for public participation and stakeholders’ involvement in the entire developmental plan.
“Achieving sustainable physical development requires collective and active participation of residents, Community Development Associations, Real Estate Property Developers, Land owners, traditional rulers, and professionals in the built industry as well as functionaries at State and Local Government levels. These interactive forums are necessary for successful implementation of physical development plans, planning laws and regulations so that collectively we can protect and safeguard our environment”, the General Manager said.
Similarly, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, said that construction work is set to commence on two major roads, Okuta road and Deji Aladejobi street, in Bariga Area of the State.
The Commissioner, who spoke at a meeting held today between the Ministry and the residents/stakeholders on the rehabilitation and upgrading of the two roads, solicited for the cooperation and support of the residents in achieving the desired goal of transforming the infrastructural landscape of the area.
Engr. Johnson, represented by the Director, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation, Engr. Saliu Adeyemi, said the State Government is investing heavily on the provision of roads through regular maintenance, rehabilitation, upgrading and reconstruction with the ultimate goal of opening the socio-economic potentials of the affected communities.
He stated further that the choice of the two roads followed the completion of Igi-Olugbin street, coupled with the fact that their rehabilitation and upgrading will decongest the traffic in the area by serving as a major by-pass from Ikorodu road to Gbagada Expressway.
In their own remarks, the representatives of the community suggested the provision of accessible and motorable alternative routes during the rehabilitation of the two roads and the employment of youths in the area for the construction works.
They also called on the State Government to provide more standard roads for the community. [myad]
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