Julius Berger bags Lagos Island regeneration contract

THE Lagos State Government has awarded reconstruction and upgrade of three roads in Lagos Island Local Government Area to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

The roads are Adeniji Adele and Oke Popo/ Tapa Streets. Adeniji Adele road is presently two- lanes single carriageway of about 2.234kilometer while Oke Popo/ Tapa Streets is about 1.069km.

In the last few years, the government had intervened on the corridor, which brought temporary relief to motorists.

However, these palliatives have not been sustainable and oftentimes lead to breaking of the roads.

Senior officials disclosed that the damage to the roadway has been immense, and exacerbated by years of abuse by the motoring public, indiscriminate construction on drainage alignment and poor maintenance strategy.

Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, an engineer, during the flag- off of the project said the reconstruction will improve economic activities and jumpstarts the administration’s plan for infrastructural renewal and upgrade in Lagos Island.

The governor said arrangements have been concluded for the roads rehabilitation, drainage construction, and provision of fiber optic ducts, among other basic amenities in the area.

According to him, government was planning a worldclass children hospital to replace the popular Massey Street Hospital, construct roads, and redevelop Pelewura Market, which people would be proud of.

Sanwo- Olu said embarking on the projects will lead to creation of new jobs and livelihood opportunities in the project area and Lagos Island; improve safety of lives as well as eliminate flooding often experienced on the road.

“It will also enhance property values, stimulate businesses and economic development among the people of Lagos Island

“The road construction will no doubt help to improve road connectivity within the axis, unlock perennial traffic gridlock with resultant reduction in travel time along the corridor,” he added.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Rotimi Thomas, said the road projects, which were 2.234 kilometres and 1.6 kilometres will bring about socio- economic growth, enhance infrastructural development as well as create employment for residents. He urged support for government in its efforts to build a greater Lagos.