No plan to demolish houses over Apapa Road expansion – LASG

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, allayed the fears of residents that the plan to expand the Gaskiya-College and Sari-Iganmu Roads in Apapa Local Government Area of the state will result in mass demolition of houses within the area.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, allayed the fears of the residents at a stakeholder’s meeting held at the Ladipo Primary School, Amukoko, stating that government has no plans to do extensive demolition so as to expand the road from the present eight metres to 13.4 kilometres.

While noting that some shops and fences are on the right of way, the commissioner noted that such would be removed in the overall interest of the people.

He added that property owners with the required certified documents by the Ministry of Physical Planning would be compensated.

Hamzat, who also dispelled the rumour that some rich individuals residing in the area have bought their ways with the government thereby influencing the construction of the road project in order to favour them, noted that the road alignment cannot be skewed to favour anyone.

He assured that the alignment is determined by the final destination of the road.

He solicited the support of the people to ensure that the project is delivered within 20 months construction period planned, adding that the ministry will continue to listen to their complaints.

While showing the various complaints and petitions that have led to the second stakeholder’s meeting, Hamzat said it is only with the people’s support that the project can be delivered promptly.

Commenting on other roads allegedly abandoned where the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP) had worked, the commissioner assured that the state government is in the process of auditing the projects before it is handed over to appropriate agency of government for completion.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson, emphasised that the project, which has been awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Plc, will enhance the free flow of traffic in the area.