JUBILATION IN KETU AS SANWO-OLU OPENS DUALISED DEMURIN, AGIDI ROADS

• Newly rehabilitated Church Street in Alapere opens for traffic

Residents of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, on Thursday, turned out in their numbers to receive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the inauguration of the much-awaited road projects in the area.

The completion of rehabilitation and expansion work on three strategic arterial carriageways in Ketu-Alapere axis — Demurin Road, Agidi Road and Church Street — changed the community’s nightmare and created a new commuting experience in the council.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the three roads network that serve as a strategic bypass to Ikorodu Road-Mile12 axis and Third Axial through Alapere. The roads also provide seamless connectivity in both directions.

Before the intervention, Demurin Raod, now upgraded to a dual carriageway with semi-rigid pavement, suffered significant wear and tear due to large traffic volumes.

The rehabilitation work on the 1.60km carriageway has now resolved chronic congestion hitherto witnessed on the road, just as it enhances connectivity and accessibility.

Agidi Road, spanning 775 metres and a vital link to Demurin Road, also deteriorated due to increased socio-economic activities, causing perennial flooding and traffic jams on the road.

With its expanded width and dualised surfaced, the reconstructed Agidi Road has been built to withstand the pressure of traffic.

Also, the 742 metre-long Church Street, an adjoining thoroughfare to Agidi Road, also underwent an extensive reconstruction.

Inaugurating the projects, Sanwo-Olu said the three roads network were designed to revitalise socio-economic activities in the area, noting that the infrastructure would provide the needed boost for the food security programme of the State Government, given their proximity to Mile 12 International Commodities Market.

The Governor said the projects’ completion marked another milestone in his administration’s delivery of life-changing public infrastructure, stressing that the development underscored his commitment of his Government to bequeath an intermodal transportation system that would positively impact the health and socio-economic wellbeing of the residents.

He said: “Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our administration’s delivery of life-changing public infrastructure. These roads not only connect the Ketu area to other parts of the Local Government, they also serve as a vital bypass to motorists going to Mile 12 International Commodities Market and the Owode Onirin Auto Parts Market on Ikorodu Road. That the infrastructure facilitates the movement of people and goods to adjoining communities in Agboyi Ketu LCDA further highlights our administration’s dedication to enhancing food security and boosting connectivity.

“The rehabilitation and upgrading of Demurin Road, Agidi Road and Church Street have revitalised socio-economic activities for thousands of residents and business owners. These projects have significantly enhanced road connectivity, improved traffic flow, reduced travel time, and eliminated perennial flooding issues. As a Government, we remain committed to delivering strategic link roads in line with the State Transport Master Plan and our THEMES+ Agenda. Our vision is to continue providing sustainable infrastructure across the State.”

Sanwo-Olu saluted the residents for their patience throughout the rehabilitation work, pointing out that the quality of work delivered on the projects had compensated for the pains experienced during the construction.

The Governor urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure, asking them to prevent vandalism of road furniture and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which could impact the use of the roads.

Sanwo-Olu formally handed over the three roads to the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and resident associations in this area, saying: “This road is now your collective responsibility to maintain and protect as a vital asset for the community.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, said the interventions represented Sanwo-Olu administration’s investment in prosperity of the residents, noting that what infrastructure had resolved vehicular congestion in the area.

Daramola said Demurin Road and its adjoining roads deteriorated from increased axle loads and inadequate hydraulic structures.

“In line with the Greater Lagos vision of Sanwo-Olu administration, Demurin and Agidi roads were approved for upgrade to 2-lane dual carriageways with interlocking paving-stones pavement. They also have solar-powered streetlights and other road furniture to improve the quality of life of the people, enhance economic prosperity, mitigate flooding and environmental nuisances,” the Special Adviser said.

Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Dele Oshinowo, who led the ecstatic residents to receive Sanwo-Olu, thanked the Governor for the intervention, which he described as “impactful gifts” to ease the suffering of the people.

The council boss noted that the community had been a beneficiary of the Governor’s intervention, stressing that the projects were strategic to the socio-economic development in the council.

“This is yet another impactful development that has been done by the Sanwo-Olu administration, which has not only delivered projects in the LCDA, but has also created opportunities for socio-economic growth in our community. Agboyi-Ketu has witnessed unrivalled transformation in the last six years, testifying to the dedication of the Governor’s commitment to drive growth from the grassroots,” Oshinowo said.