Lagos marks roads for upgrade in Ikoyi, Lekki

The Lagos State Government has marked two roads in the Ikoyi and Lekki areas of the state for upgrade and construction.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, said the roads were Ijeh Road leading to Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, which was about 735 metres and Igbokusu Road, Lekki, which was 2.1 kilometres.

The commissioner explained in a statement on Sunday that one of the roads would be done in phases, adding that the government had approved immediate palliative works to provide relief to residents of the communities.

He said, “The palliative measures are a first and direct response that will ensure that the roads are passable before being accommodated in the state’s budget. The palliative will involve the use of materials that will still be useful during the major road construction.

“The Ijeh Road is about 735 metres, while Igbokusu Road is about 2.1km. The Igbokusu may be constructed in phases to ensure ease of delivery.”

The commissioner, who noted that a firm had constructed a wooden bridge on Ijeh Road, said the government, had, however, awarded the contract for a replacement of the culvert to ensure free flow of water and ensure that the road was useable.

He said an alternative route for the residents had been provided pending the completion, adding that government did not see anything wrong in the temporary bridge constructed.

He urged Lagosians to inculcate the habit of maintenance of public facilities, saying that poor maintenance had hampered the longevity of many public facilities in the state.

The commissioner said the government was focusing on the upgrade of inner roads in the state because they would discharge water from the major roads.

“Road construction is not just about building the road, but about the outfall, where the water will be discharged to.

“Our biggest challenge is what happens before construction. We must keep talking to the people and attempt to manage various expectations that can jeopardise the prompt delivery of roads,” he added.