Wale Jagun
Lagos State Government took a major step towards the commencement of the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge on Tuesday with the first stakeholders meeting on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project and launch of the Bridge’s logo.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu speaking at the meeting held at the Adeyemi Bero on Tuesday, described the event as a significant one in the joint effort to change the narrative of the socio-economic development of the State, through the provision of critical infrastructure for sustainable prosperity.
He was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a 37.4km freeway subdivided into three sections namely Island Section, Lagoon Section and Mainland Section. It will commence from Abraham Adesanya Roundabout in Lekki through Ajah and Langbasa areas, crossing the Ado Badore Road before arriving at the Lagoon shoreline.
The road will cross the Lagoon via a 4.5km Lagoon Bridge landing between Bayeku and Ijede villages, passing through Ikorodu-Epe expressway to further link Isawo Road and from there to Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
Gov. Sanwo – Olu emphasised that the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge has been well integrated into the overall Lagos Master Plan in relation to transportation infrastructure, adding that the project allows for the first time, direct access from the large suburb of Ikorodu to the Island and the Lekki Free Trade Zone area.
He noted that the State government reactivated the construction of the bridge in October 2019 with the development of a six-step process that will lead to the selection of a suitable concessionaire in line with global best practices.
“The stakeholders’ meeting was organised to open the project to further inputs, comments, ideas and observations for incorporation into the ongoing social and environmental impact assessment.
“We hope the meeting would boost the acceptability and implementation ratings of the 4th Mainland Bridge in line with global best practices”, Sanwo – Olu stated.
The Governor also emphasised that the stakeholder-engagement and consultation on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was a precursor to the third step, which will involve issuing a “Request for Proposal” to the six consortia for the presentation of their respective financial proposals and methodologies for carrying out the project.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, also speaking stated that the meeting was another bold step by the present administration towards ensuring the buy-in of Lagosians into the government project and another fulfillment of the promise of Mr. Governor to adopt inclusiveness as a tool for governance.
She explained that as primary coordinator for the project, the Ministry has arranged a number of meetings with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State to inform all stakeholders and foster progress on the project.
Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, the Minister for Works and Housing represented by Dr. Adetunji Adeoye, commended Lagos for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, adding that the construction will create a lot of activities and job opportunities for residents.
He assured the people and government of the state of his support towards the construction of the bridge.
