Lekki Estates Residents Lament Toll Tariffs Increase, Seek Ambode’s Intervention
The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholder Association (LERSA) has expressed concern over the increased toll tariffs on Admiralty Circle Plaza and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Plaza by Lekki Concession Company (LCC), stressing that this has caused untold hardship to residents and road users in Lekki and its environs.
According to a statement issued by the Protem Chairman LERSA, James Emadoye; the Chairman Victoria Garden City (VGC) Estate Association; O.P.A. Ladega and President Crown Estate Association, John Enadeghe, the imposition of this new toll fees has resulted in sharp rise in the costs of living on the axis including, bus fares and basic services which would further burden the plight of the people.
The body therefore urged the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to advise LCC to rescind the decision, pointing out that the company did not consult LERSA before the toll fare increase.
It also urged the LCC to carry out the necessary consultation on issues affecting the toll gates in the community.
The statement said: “We have to state that LERSA has always and will always promote peaceful coexistence in Lekki and any situation that may affect this situation needs to be brought to the attention of the government urgently.
“We therefore hope the state government will intervene in this matter and listen to the yearnings of Lekki residents and road users to reverse the current increase being perpetuated by LCC on the suffering citizens of this axis.
“It is instructive to know that the development of the road commenced over 10 years ago, and up till this moment, the total kilo meter of roads that has been constructed is from the Lekki Circle gate up to Abraham Adesanya is less than 25 kilometer. It is the 25 Kilometer that we have been paying tolls for since January, 2011. To stakeholders of the area, it is shameful that for over 10 years, a road of less than 90 kilo meters cannot be constructed even when thousands of vehicles pay tolls on the same road daily.
“Your Excellency, apart from the above, we are also concerned that the very high level of activities ongoing at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, we are left with only one access road. The coastal road which the government promised to provide in 2011 preceding the tolling has either been jettisoned or abandoned.
“What we can see these days are different types of houses springing up on the path of the road. We believe that these roads are imperative for the area considering the huge population. Even the existing road from the Lekki Circle to Abraham Adesanya is totally devoid of the normal lain white markings required for such a road.”