Lagos State Awards Julius Berger Contract For Roads Regeneration
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The nation’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has been awarded contract by the Lagos State Government for the reconstruction and upgrade of three roads in Lagos Island.
As a long-standing infrastructure development partner, Julius Berger has been in Lagos since 1965 when it built the historic, strong and still sturdily standing Eko Bridge.
The new roads awarded to Julius Berger for reconstruction and upgrade include the popular Adeniji Adele, Oke Popo and Tapa Streets which are presently structured as two-lane single carriageways.
Official sources said, in previous years, government palliative intervention on the affected roads only had the effect of temporary relief to road users, after which the roads deteriorated and broken apart.
A senior government ministry officials disclosed that the damage to the affected roads has been worsened due to serial misuse and abuse by several factors including increased and heavy motoring volumes by the motoring public, indiscriminate construction on drainage alignment, and poor maintenance strategy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. (Mrs.) Aramide Adeyoye, during the flag-off of the projects, said the reconstruction will improve economic activities and jumpstart the administration’s plan for infrastructural renewal and upgrade in Lagos Island.
Sanwo-Olu further said that arrangements have been concluded for the road rehabilitation, drainage construction, and provision of fiber optic ducts, among other basic amenities in the area for regeneration.
The Governor also said that the Government is planning a world-class children’s hospital to replace the popular Massey Street Hospital, construct roads, and redevelop Pelewura Market, for the beneficial use of Lagosians.
Engr. Thomas Balzuweit, Julius Berger Regional Manager, Region West, Lagos
Sanwo-Olu also said that the onset of the construction works for the road projects will generate employment and create legitimate means of livelihood for citizens, particularly in the project communities.
According to Sanwo-Olu; “The completion of the projects would also lead to improved safety of lives as it will help to eliminate flooding often experienced on the roads.
Commenting on the general economic, traffic and social benefits to citizens, investors and residents, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the completion of the projects will also enhance property values, stimulate businesses and economic development among the people of Lagos Island.
He further said; “The road construction will no doubt help to improve road connectivity within the axis, unlock perennial traffic gridlock with resultant reduction in travel time along the corridor”.
In his own remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr Rotimi Thomas, urged support for the government in its efforts to build a greater Lagos.
