Wale Jagun
A volunteer Group concerned with the state of the abandoned Ipakodo-Igbogbo-Tinubu-Igbe Laara-Gintin road project, has again, appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, over the effects of the project that was commenced about seven years ago, on the residents and other users.
The non – governmental body – Ipakodo-Igbogbo-Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Oreyo -Igbe Laara-Gintin Road Volunteers Group, in its letter to the Governor, said that the project, which was started in 2017, and sheduled to have been completed within two years, has dragged on till now, and has consequently collapsed the social and economic lives of the entire Igbogbo and other communities along the corridor.
The letter was signed by the Group’s Convener, Mr Adewale Oba Akinrotimi and 17 other members of its Think-Tank. The platform for the entire volunteers has about 1000 participants from across the various affected communities.
There have been several letters, appeals and protests, from the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, political leaders, Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC), other groups and residents, over the years, to the state government in ensuring that the road is completed, but all were to no avail.
After years of abandonment, HiTech moved back to site last year only to abandon the project again few weeks after due to what many attributed to non release of fund by the government to the construction company.
“It is with heavy hearts that we write this day on behalf of the communities mentioned above and over 250 CDAs along this important road”, the letter said.
“As mentioned earlier, the contract for the road was awarded by the State Government in year 2017, with a completion period of two (2) years. This means that the road should have been completed since 2019, if the 2 years completion period had been adhered to.
“The road had witnessed very slow pace since flag off, and this has crumbled economic activities of the communities and adjoining towns and villages along this important corridor. The livelihood of over 500,000 persons living on the stretch of this road, has been badly affected in the last Six (6) years.
“The daily trauma communities members pass through, in and out of these communities, is better imagined. Once it rains, it becomes a nightmare for residents because of the deplorable conditions of the stretch of the road between Igbogbo through Igbe Laara to Ginti (along Ijede road)”, concerned residents lamented.
The Volunteers Group appealed to the Governor, for return of the contractor to site and quick completion of the project.
“Sir, we are appealing for quick return of HiTech Construction Company to site to continue the road project that connects the ever busy Ikorodu – Lagos Road to four (4) LCDAs in Ikorodu division viz a viz, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA, Ijede LCDA and Imota LCDA”, the volunteers appealed.
“We also appeal that the road be concluded in good time so that the desired impact could be felt in the social and economic lives of thousands of residents of the four LCDAs in the division.
“While we await your actions on this road, we are using this medium to pledge our unalloyed loyalty to you, and your government and promise our support to your government at all time”.
The letter was copied to the Deputy Governor who is overseeing the Ministry of Works and Infrastructures, Special Adviser, Works & Infrastructure, Ms Abisola Olusanya, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Dr. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser, Rural Development & Chieftaincy Affairs.
Also copied were Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator Representing, Lagos East Senatorial District, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Representative Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro, Representative, Ikorodu Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly.
Others were HRM, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA, Igbogbo. Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, GAC Chieftain, Igbogbo, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, GAC Chieftain, Ikorodu.
Meanwhile, some affected residents have been mobilizing for protest on the road, and to the Governor’s Office in Ikeja, if the contractor is not mobilized back on site in good time.
