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Commuters, motorists, residents appreciate Ajah flyover

By Paul Adunwoke
07 January 2018   |   4:19 am
Commuters and motorists plying the Lekki-Ajah Expressway are heaving a sigh of relief, as they say the recently constructed Ajah flyover...

• Urge Government To Construct More Bridges
Commuters and motorists plying the Lekki-Ajah Expressway are heaving a sigh of relief, as they say the recently constructed Ajah flyover has drastically reduced the frustrating gridlock that used to stress them and waste so many man-hours.

Before the construction of the bridge, residents, commuters and motorists along that axis had often pointed accusing fingers at the larger-than-life roundabouts, which were located in four places along the route. Together with the reckless attitude of commercial vehicle drivers, who were fond of picking and allowing commuters disembark anyhow, the people had blamed these for the then never-ending traffic jam. They wondered why the roundabouts were so big and spacious that they occupied everywhere.

In suggesting the way forward, many had urged government to construct a flyover bridge, especially over the Ajah-Ado-Epe roundabout to ease the traffic. Apparently, this idea was embraced, as the Ambode administration embarked on the construction of the flyover bridge among other projects in the state immediately it assumed office. It was commissioned last year.

And impressed by the result the development has yielded, motorists, commuters and residents are not only lauding the state government, but are also urging it to build more bridges and put in place a maintenance structure to sustain them.

Commending the quality of job done on the construction, the residents expressed their satisfaction especially as so many man-hours are now being saved.

In his view, Olajide Kadiri, an Ajah resident, said the project would last very long, provided government takes steps to put in place measures to maintain it.

He said: “Personally, I think the project met all the necessary requirements, both in the concept and execution. But there is the need for maintenance, especially with regard to the installation of streetlights, to ensure there is always light for security purposes and to avoid accidents at night.

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s effort at putting the Ajah flyover bridge in place is commendable. I believe it is part of the vision to turn Lagos into a mega-city. The government is really trying in terms of putting up infrastructure all over the state, but he should think of the maintenance aspect. My advice is that everything should be done to ensure the sustenance of the project.”

A motorist on the route, Olamide Oluwajuwon, said the construction of the Ajah flyover bridge signposted the beginning of a new era of development that would enhance the standard of living of the people along the axis. He, however, urged government to give the maintenance aspect a serious thought, so that the vision would become a reality.

He said: “I believe the motive behind the Ajah Flyover Bridge was to ease traffic flow along the axis, as well as facilitate economic growth. Government should also try to open up other areas in the state, thereby improving the lives of residents. Government also needs to do more by providing security on the bridge, because sometimes there have been reported cases of armed robbery at night.

“If everything is put in place, the bridge will surely play a key role in the future prosperity of people living in this area, especially as the Lekki Free Trade Zone is along the axis, which stands to benefit the state economically.

“Besides, the bridge was a creative and practical solution at addressing the perennial traffic jam, which terribly affected people living in this area for a very long time. The development will also boost economic activities in the area. Therefore, government should not overlook a regular maintenance of the bridge.”

Recalling that the route was notorious for terrible gridlocks, Godwin Efiong, a businessman said the situation was crippling business activities, causing the loss of valuable hours and revenues for business operators.

“Government should make effort to maintain the bridge because of its strategic importance to the economic growth of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis. There should be continued efforts in this area to encourage economic activities,” he said.

Another resident, Bakare Olarewaju, said government should construct more flyovers bridges on the axis to reduce traffic jam.

He said: “We are happy that the flyover bridge was built, as it will boost commercial activities in this axis, support economic growth and significantly reduce travel time, as well as other costs associated with traffic challenges. Ajah Flyover Bridge is the beginning of a process to transform the axis to the new economic hub.

“I can assure you, the positive impact this bridge will have on the commercial and economic activities in this area in the long run will be invaluable. And I know this is just the beginning, as government’s intention is to take the state to the next level. It is definitely a welcome development, which will also enhance the standard of living in the area.”

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