• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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BusinessDay

Lagos mobilises contractor for Egan-Ayobo link bridge

Lagos State government is to construct a link bridge to connect Ayobo and Egan-Igando, in Alimosho area, in what is expected to shorten travel time, improve living condition of residents and boost the economy of communities in that axis.

The state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, whose four-year tenure terminates on May 29, while performing the groundbreaking for the bridge project, Wednesday, said the contractor had been mobilised and that the incoming administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu will complete the project.

“I believe strongly that our state is on a positive growth trajectory and I urge you to give the next administration the same unflinching support you gave us as we work together in transforming our State to the “Lagos of our dreams,” Ambode said, adding that the bridge project was in continuation of government’s effort to close the huge infrastructure gap of the state.

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and financial hub, is estimated to have an infrastructure deficit of over $50 billion. The state currently generates a monthly internal revenue of about N35 billion + federal transfers averaging over N10 billion.

Ambode, who also handed over newly constructed Agric Access road in Egan and a 500-seater capacity art theatre in Igando, said his administration never shied away from the infrastructural challenge. He said the new road fulfilled an earlier promised to run a government of inclusion that would leave no community behind.

“When our administration came into office, one of our cardinal promises was a government of inclusion. We committed to a government where nobody, community or people will be left behind. As a result we were determined to address the challenges of gross infrastructural deficit, flooding and erosion which the people around this senatorial district have lived with for some time now.

“I am very pleased and fulfilled to see that our commitment to make our state globally competitive and radically change our infrastructural profile to one that befits a contemporary smart city has been successful with the massive construction of roads and bridges we have undertaken in the last four years,” said the outgoing governor.

Morenike Adesina-Williams, chairman of Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), lauded the decision of the state government to build the Agric Access road, saying it would go a long way in enhancing the socio-economic development within that axis and the state in general.

Aderinola Adetola, a resident of the area, welcomed the transformation of the once deplorable road and agreed that it would raise the standard of living of the people.

 

JOSHUA BASSEY