3rd Mainland Bridge
The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Hamzat Obafemi has assured Lagos residents that the planned construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge would not be hindered by the on-going development of the jetties to link the eastern and western parts of the State.
Hamzat, who stated this while on inspection tour of Ministry’s projects in the Eti-Osa Local Council Development Areas and environs, explained that all the developments are in tune with the inter-modal transportation plan of the government which involves providing the general public with options.
The Commissioner, who disclosed that the bridge development has been concessioned, explained that the government will not wait for the delivery of the bridge before providing the people with viable alternative such as water transportation.
He noted that since the commencement of water transportation the passengers using ferries had risen from 400,000 monthly to 1.4 million; a figure expected to increase to over 4 million when the jetties are completed.
The Commissioner also stated that the completion of the three new jetties along with those being rehabilitated at Mile 2 and Oworonshoki will ensure the end of the perennial gridlock that characterise moving around major parts of Lagos.
He reiterated that the on- going litigation on the Osborne jetty site will not distract the State Government from accomplishing the goals of water transportation.
Commenting further on the development agenda of the administration, Hamzat said with the newly awarded 180 projects by the State’s Tenders Board, the State will again become a giant construction works yard which provides jobs and boosts the economy.
He reiterated that projects awarded, especially those of his Ministry cut across all segments of the State adding that both rural communities and urban areas were addressed in the plethora of projects enunciated by the administration.
Expressing his satisfaction with the spate of work at various sites visited, the Commissioner observed the change in construction strategies/ methods from on-site production of slabs and culverts to site yard productions.
Hamzat pointed out that the State Government, bearing in mind that Lagos is a coastal city state, has incorporated the possible flooding resulting from rainfall into the master plan of road construction by including the upgrading and construction of drainage channels that will ensure proper discharge of water from the roads in the event of rising sea level.
He also explained that projects which were not performing to expectation would be re- awarded to ensure that the intended benefits of such projects are made available to the people.
