The Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) has commenced preparation of the regeneration plans for Shomolu-Bariga and Ifelodun-Ijora-Badia Communities as a precursor to immediate intervention.
According to a statement signed by the General Manager of the Agency, Ms. Ajibike Shomade, the regeneration plans will improve the living standards and facilitate a business-attractive environment of the subject areas by stemming the cycles of decay, provide the basis for Sustainable Urban Renewal Activities and Upgrade, as proposed in the subsisting Mainland Central Model City Plan.
“LASURA is inviting interested Consultants in the built environment that are registered with the Town Planners’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) and Association of Town Planning Consultants (ATOPCON) to bid for the project”, she revealed.Shomade disclosed that successful consultants would be required to complete the Regeneration Plans Project for each of the study areas within six months.
Meanwhile, the State Government met with stakeholders to signal the commencement of construction of Ijeododo Road which will connect two Local Council Development Areas, Igando-Ikotun and Iba Local Council Development Areas, to the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ meeting held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako said that the commencement of the Ijeododo Road project signalled another positive step taken by the Administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu towards the inclusive development of every constituent part of the State.
He noted that the road, being critical to connectivity and socio-economic development of the State by providing important links for the axis, was receiving the Midas touch of the forward-looking administration in the State that was doggedly redefining the state of infrastructure.
He explained that the Stakeholderd’ meeting, like previously held ones, stemmed from the State Government’s fervent commitment to citizens’ participation in the development of their communities so as to evolve a sense of ownership, necessary for the protection of public infrastructure.He urged residents of the area not to hesitate to make the necessary sacrifice and give the support required for successful execution of the project.”
As you are aware, there is no gain without sacrifice. The relief, however, is the ultimate ‘big picture’ of ease of connectivity and socio-economic development that are bound to sprout as a result of the road construction”, he said.He assured that ” relevant Government Agencies are being mobilised to take stock of property that will be affected by this road project, and make arrangements for the payment of compensation to deserving property owners whose documents are intact”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, stated that the paramount consideration for the project was development and this had informed efforts to minimise impact of the project on the community by reviewing the project from the original six-lane design to four-lane with a reviewed Right of Way of 33 meters from 55 meters.
As a result, the expected impact on 250 houses has been reduced to 133.The Consultants for the project, Kamil Olalekan corroborated that the project was conceived over ten years ago but was hindered by many considerations including the impact, NNPC requirements, level of compensation and cost which had led to the review of the project.
Other Public Officials took turn to appeal to the people to allow the project to berth in the area. Making the appeal were the Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Member of Lagos House of Assembly representing Ojo Constituency I, Hon. Victor Akande, Special Adviser, Urban Development, Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Olujinmi Hotonu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe and the representative of Oniba of Iba, Chief Tolani Sule.Some of the residents expressed preference for the initial alignments and Right of Way to be maintained while others said they were in sinc with the arrangement which reduced the alignment and the impact..Some expressed their joy and support for the project, saying it would lessen their traffic challenges while Government had also promised compensation.