Published 12/25/2008 1:21:00 AM
Residents list priorities for LASG in 2009
Francis Famoroti
As the year 2008 runs to an end, the Lagos State Government was, on Thursday, urged to ensure the take-off of its planned light rail transport scheme, efficient road network and alternate power project.
Residents described these as priority projects that should be inaugurated in the state next year.
Concerned residents who made the call in separate interviews with our correspondent included an investment banker and consultant, Mr. Remmy Olagunju; a landscape expert, Mr. Niyi Oriade; and a civil engineer, Mr. Matthias Akinsola.
They were unanimous that the new Lagos city plan would only be meaningful if the projects could accommodate the provision of rail line scheme, interconnected road network and independent power supply.
The men spoke just as Governor Babatunde Fashola said that the state model intra city rail service would begin next year with the construction of rail lines.
The governor reportedly said the state government had just completed the designs of the rail service, which would be followed by the actual construction.
The respondents’ views seemed to have coincided with the governor’s pronouncement on the issue.
According to Olagunju, “The new Lagos city project should include the rail transportation system, good road network and power project in order to boost industrialisation. This will encourage investment and generate employment.”
The consultant said, “for instance, it was unfortunate that only the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway serves residents of Iyana-Ipaja, Abule-Egba, Aboru, Alagbado and other areas in Alimosho Local Government;” urging the state government to either open up or rehabilitate the failed link roads in the LGA.
He implored the state government to ensure that the rail scheme, road network and power projects were part of the new Lagos city plan in order to meet the yearning of the residents.
Oriade also highlighted the importance of good and efficient transportation system to the mega city plan.
He also expressed concern over the performance of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, calling on the state government to begin discussions with other global energy companies that are capable of executing the IPP.
Akinsola lauded the state government’s efforts in the area of reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads in the state, but maintained that the inauguration of rail transportation system was necessary to complement its efforts.
He said, “I think the state government is on the right course so far in terms of its commitment to rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads. The rail transportation system will definitely complement the inadequacies of our urban environment.”
Akinsola wanted LAMATA, the state government agency handling the rail project, to tell the populace what was responsible for the delay in its take-off.
The engineer shared the view that the Lagos city plan should address the problems of power supply, urging the state government to embrace the Independent Power Project.
