Among the measures to be put in place include the need to construct dedicated routes for articulated vehicle and trucks plying Lagos roads with a view to reducing the incidence of accidents attributed to such vehicles.
Besides, new roads are being planned for construction, while rehabilitation of existing roads is to be intensifies, with the plan to make use of interlocking blocks in some roads that are susceptible to flooding or that are water logged.
Disclosing this at a media session last week, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ajibade Bade-Adebowale, accompanied by the his counterpart in the Ministry for Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi and the General Manager, Lagos State Public works Corporation (LSPWC), Mr. Ayo Sodeinde, an engineer, said
over 200 roads have been maintained by the State’s Public Works Corporation, the Permanent Secretary said efforts are on to ensure that the 167 roads inherited by the present administration are delivered immediately rain stops.
He listed some of the roads to include Ipaja –Ayobo, Ago Palace Way, Isolo road and Lagos Badagry Expressway.
Bade – Adebowale also noted that a new era of partnership is being explored with the Federal Government agencies that will ensure that highways classified as federal roads in the Lagos are fixed quickly.
Commenting on state of inner roads, he said it is now mandatory for the 20 local governments and all the local council development areas (LGs/LCDAs) to embark on rehabilitation of two road projects in their areas.
“In essence, 114 roads projects advertised to be executed by LGs/ LCDAs are the first steps in enhancing the capacity of the State to deliver more roads, while construction of jetties will be vigorously purseued”, noting that Badore and Osborne jetties will soon be completed and will impact on the number of persons using water transportation.
He added that using ferries and boats as means of transportation should be embraced, saying that this would reduce pressure on roads.
In his remarks, the General Manager Lagos State Public Works Corporation, the agency responsible for maintenance works, Ayo Sodeinde said the LSPWC had worked on 200 roads, with plans to address the challenge observed at Ile – Epo Bus Stop along Lagos Abeokuta expressway.
Describing the experience of commuters on the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway and Apapa Oshodi Expressway as similar, the General Manager disclosed that Asphalt overlay on them lacks the capacity to carry the axle load that currently ply them.
While also explaining that the agency’s current efforts are not limited to state roads only Sodeine said apart from Ile Epo bus stop the cooperation is also working on Herbert Macaulay (around YABATECH), Volkswagen Ojo and parts of Lagos Badagry.
Lamenting the incessant abuse of roads by some disgruntled elements in the society, LSPWC general manager said the era of deliberately damaging roads to either create go slow for stealing or begging or outright robbery is over.
“We are partnering with the Nigeria Police to deal with all such persons adding that cut roads for laying of cables, water pipes and others. Anyone who see the need to cut road for installation of amenities must seek the consent of the agency saddled with the responsibility, and that is Lagos State Infrastructure Regulation Agency (LASSIMRA).
