This is contained in a statement by Mr Adeshina Odunuga, spokesman of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

He quoted the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, as announcing the plan.

Adeyoye, while inspecting the road, is quoted as saying that the state would embark on the project inspite of economic challenges, dwindling revenue and recent havoc on assets and infrastructure of the state during the EndSARS protests.

“Against all odds, the economic recession, dwindling financial resources occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic and the most recent unwarranted violence unleashed on the State Government Infrastructure notwithstanding, Mr Governor remains focused toward promoting economic prosperity through the provision of sustainable road infrastructure throughout the state,” she said.

Adeyoye said Gov. Sanwo-Olu will on Sunday flag-off the project.

According to her, reconstruction works will begin on the first phase of 18.75km stretch, spanning Eleko Juction to Epe ‘T’ Junction.

“Aside the fact that the Lekki-Epe Expressway project when completed will eliminate the perennial traffic gridlocks, it would ultimately improve socio-economic activities in and around Lekki environs and reduce drastically the travel time of commuters,” she said.

Adeyoye listed other benefits of the project and the positive impact it would have on Lagos residents, businesses and commuters.

She said the Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway was constructed over 40 years ago, from Victoria Island to Epe T-junction, adopting a rural road cross-section without drain, except for few chutes which absorb surface run off on the sides of the road.

“Over time, the road has deteriorated and it currently hurts movement of goods and passengers in an efficient manner, thus necessitating the initial palliative intervention of this administration in November 2019.

”The palliative in its limited scope is now to give way to the more sustainable reconstruction works.

“The reconstruction works will entail an upgrade in both capacity and pavement structure, with an increase from a 2 to a 3 lane dual carriageway with a dedicated truck lane and reinforced concrete rigid pavement.

“Rigid pavement was recommended to accommodate the envisaged axle loadings expected to ply the route, given the rapid industrialisation in that area.

“The project is programmed to be executed in two phases so as to manage the huge financial outlay required in the face of the present economic situation’” she said.

While giving a brief of the project, the special adviser said Phase I spans Eleko Junction – Epe T-Junction and is 18.75KM while Phase II spans Abraham Adesanya Roundabout – Eleko Junction and is 26.7KM.

“A tried and tested contractor Messrs. Craneburg Construction Company Limited with proven capacity and track record on similar projects– in personnel, equipment and co-ordination of construction activities— has been selected to execute this contract with a view to accelerate the project delivery.

“Upon completion, the road is expected to complement the newly constructed/ongoing Epe network of roads and ease transportation of goods and services through Epe to other neighbouring states,” she said.

The post LASG flags off Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway reconstruction project Sunday appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) constituency stakeholders’ meeting held in Epe, on Thursday.

Our correspondent reports that this year’s stakeholders’ meeting is with the theme: Post COVID-19 Pandemic; The Challenges and Prospects.

The governor was represented by Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epeland.

The governor pledged that the reconstruction of the Epe/Ibeju-Lekki expressway, which is in a deplorable state, would begin on Nov. 1.

On his part, Oba Animashaun commended the Lagos State Government, for its proactiveness in solving the various challenges confronting the state in this trying period.

The monarch also applauded the youth in Epe community for ensuring and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the #EndSARS protests.

“I am so happy that our youths from Epe did not destroy or vandalise any government or privately-owned property around the communities.

“I am indeed grateful for such good character exhibited by the youth and I pray they continue in that direction,” he said.

Mr Abiodun Tobun, the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency 1, expressed his appreciation to the people of the community for their understanding and love for the ancient town.

“I am indeed happy and overwhelmed that there is no record of violence in the community during and after the #EndSARS protests by the youth.

“I am so much proud of our youth for maintaining peace and unity in the community,” he said.

Tobun urged the youth to always speak out in the areas of deficiency or needs in the community, pledging that the government would address the situation with despatch.

“We as a government are ready to take every complaint of the people and we are there to provide solutions,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Adedoyin Adesanya, Chairman, Epe Local Government Area, expressed his satisfaction in the character exhibited by the youth of the community during the recent youth protests nationwide.

“The #EndSARS protest, Lekki massacre and burning of public property and looting of warehouses took place in various places but Epe youths remained peaceful and protective.

“I am so delighted for such attributes carried out by the youth; I pray they keep it up,” he said.

Adesanya said that as a lover of education he was ready to do more to “support the educational system in our community and for the people to fullfil their educational career”.

He enjoined members of the community present at the stakeholders meeting, to observe one minute silence in honour of the late chief Lanre Razak, one of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members from the Epe Division.

“He is always there for the community and the people, whenever we need him. We were here together last year, but today he is no more,” he said.

The post Sanwo-Olu to launch reconstruction of Epe/Ibeju-Lekki expressway Nov. 1 appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Mr. Jacob Ojekunle, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, made this known in Ibadan while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Gov. Seyi Makinde.

Ojekunle said the project, which was awarded through Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), was expected to be completed within 18 months.

“This approach offers several advantages over the traditional procurement methods; now that the federal allocation to the state is low, adoption of APFA for some infrastructural projects has become necessary,” he said.

He said that the Makinde administration prioritised expansion of its economy “being driven by agriculture” by construction/ rehabilitation of roads, especially in agrarian dominated areas of the state, to enhance agriculture productivity.

“Once these roads are rehabilitated, we will have ways of bringing our farm products to the mainstream.

“The contractor will be paid just 20 per cent of the contract sum once the letter of award is given and subsequently the balance would be paid from statutory allocations, based on the contractor’s performance,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Lateef Oyeleke, disclosed that the State Executive Council approved the installation of 58 boreholes across the 33 LGAs in the state.

According to him, the contract was awarded at the twilight of the last administration but was revoked due to observed inadequacies bordering on transparency, fairness and accountability.

“The total sum for this contract is N312.2million and it is expected that this contract will be completed within six months of this approval”, Oyeleke said.

The post Oyo govt. awards reconstruction of 45.3km Saki-Igboho road for N8.7bn appeared first on NEWSVERGE.