Traffic, flooding biggest impediments to improving residents’ lives, says Sanwo-Olu

• Commissions seven new roads in Ikoyi
• Says public, private collaboration critical to driving innovative, sustainable housing projects

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that one of the biggest impediments to improving residents’ quality of life in the state is the man-hours lost in traffic congestion and the persistent challenges of flooding in some areas.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke, yesterday, during the commissioning of seven roads in the Ikoyi area of the state, further said that his administration understood that the provision of world-class road infrastructure would not only enhance mobility but also catalyse economic growth, improve productivity, and make Lagos State more competitive globally.

He said that the newly commissioned roads were more than just pathways but lifelines for economic activity and community well-being. Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged the residents to take ownership of the projects by refraining from actions that could undermine their durability, such as indiscriminate dumping of wastes into drainage systems or illegal parking on roadways.

RELATEDLY, Sanwo-Olu has said that his administration will be the strongest enabler in creating a thriving business environment around the housing sector, saying that public-private collaboration is critical for driving innovation, financing sustainable projects, and creating inclusive regulations.

The governor, who stated this, yesterday, during the fifth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions, said: “As a government, we remain steadfast in our efforts to build a thriving real estate sector by prioritising human capital development to ensure skilled professionals that are capable of driving innovation.

“We are equally committed to establishing sustainable regulations that will protect practitioners and consumers alike while fostering an integrated ecosystem that links housing development with transportation, technology, agriculture, health, and youth development.

“We consistently draw inspiration from global trends and best practices to inform our policies and programmes. Today’s distinguished speakers, moderators, and panellists bring invaluable insights, and we are confident that their contributions will enrich our collective vision for the real estate sector.” He noted that achieving a sustainable future is not a task for the government alone as it requires collective action.

In her welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, BakaratOdunuga-Bakare, noted that the theme of the conference, “Reimagining the Lagos Landscape: Ensuring Sustainable Real Estate Development Practices,” is both timely and vital.