Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday announced the commencement of Phase III of the Traffic Intervention Plan in the Ketu-Alapere area, to provide an alternative route for residents and take pressure off the Ojota Interchange.
Ambode spoke at the inauguration of the dualised Alapere Road and Junction Improvement at Agboyi-Ketu area of Lagos.
He said the road project would dualise Demuren Road (Alapere Roundabout to Ketu Junction) and Davies Street (Mr Biggs Junction to Mile 12).
According to him, the phase is a strategic linkage between the Third Mainland Bridge–Ogudu–Alapere Corridor via Alapere and Ikorodu Road–Ketu–Ojota–Mile 12 Corridor.
”I’m happy to announce the commencement of the phase lll of the Traffic Intervention Plan in Ketu-Alapere Area. This phase provides an alternative route for Lagosians, thereby taking pressure off the Ojota Interchange,” he said.
Ambode appealed to residents to continue to support the government in its drive to deliver critical infrastructure for the benefit of all by paying their taxes regularly and on time.
”All these projects are a return from the tax you are paying to the government. We promise that whatever little you are paying taxes, you will get greater value for your money.
”At the beginning of this administration, we promised to work for all and deliver road infrastructure and expand the reach of growth and development that will directly impact on the lives of the people.
”The dualisation of this road is a fulfilment of one of the recommendations at the 2015 Traffic Summit organised by this administration.
”It was recommended that critical road junctions such as this one be upgraded to meet present and future needs of road users, to reduce traffic time and support economic activities.
”This road upgrade will not only reduce traffic congestion but also increase the value of properties in this area and become a source of prosperity to the owners. That is the Lagos of our dream.
”We, therefore, urge residents to take ownership of these projects and protect them like yours, as they were provided with your tax payers money,” he said.
Ambode also promised that the Agoyi-Ketu link bridge, an important project in the area, would be considered before the end of 2018.
On his part, Mr Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, said the road, which is about 1.4km in length from Alapere Junction, was generally in a deplorable state with potholes, open drains and lack of designated walkway.
Akinsanya said that the road usually had traffic congestion due to the poor pavement, blocked drainage, street trading, poor junction geometry, street parking and encroachment of traders.
He said that the state government was committed to improving the people’s standard of living through the Alapere Road intervention, to solve the traffic challenges faced by residents.
Earlier, Mr Dele Oshinowo, Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, appreciated the state government for the road project.
”This transformed road will surely increase the value and wealth of the area.
”We will still love to appeal that the state government help us construct a link bridge from Agboyi town to Ketu, to improve our road network system,” he said.
Pa Duro Dada, a community leader who spoke on behalf of the residents of Agboyi-Ketu, urged Gov. Ambode to continue the good works.
”Years ago, nobody would have thought that this kind of transformation will take place in Alapere. Thank you our Governor,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dualised Alapere Road and junction improvement works commenced in February 2017.
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