The Lagos State Government is to destroy no fewer than 69 buildings along Kosoko Road in Ojodu-Berger area of the state for the expansion of the road into a dual carriageway. The Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Rotimi Ogunleye, however, said on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting on the reconstruction of the road the owners of the buildings would be compensated by the government.
He said the project was aimed at improving the beauty of the area, which he described as the gateway to the state. He urged the residents to cooperate with the government officials that would carry out the demolition exercise, as well as the project contractor. Ogunleye urged the residents to endure the inconveniences the road construction would cause them, saying the project would add value to businesses and properties in the area upon completion.
He said, “The design work has been done. The road will be expanded from a single carriageway into a double carriageway. The state government places high premium on the participation of its citizens in any developmental project within the state.
“In the days to come, there is bound to be some discomfort. Some structures will be affected. However, those structures will be evaluated and compensation will be paid. The process of compensation is ongoing. Whatever evidence you have will be accepted for the compensation.” The Project Director, AIL Infrastructures Limited, which is handling the construction, Ifeoluwa Afolayan, said, “From the preliminary delineation, about 69 houses and a few fences will come down. The execution of the project will be for nine months, from the time the site is handed over to the contractor by the ministry. The length of the road is 800 metres and the width is about 22 metres.”
A landlord and hotelier in the area, Dr Uzor Okafor, lamented the project would take part of his property and render him jobless throughout the construction period. He urged the government and the contractor to ensure timely completion of the road. Punch
Pix: Lagos State Gvernor, Akinwunmi Ambode
