Residents of Ikorodu in Lagos State have resolved to support the state government in the extension of the Bus Rapid Transit route from Mile 12 to Ikorodu on the condition that those affected by the project will be adequately settled.
This pledge was given by the stakeholders during a meeting they held with the state government’s team early in the week.
A statement obtained on Thursday noted that the stakeholders stressed all issues raised at the forum, including the relocation of Ayangburen Market and compensation for those to be affected.
The forum, which was the second since the project started, was organised by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, managers of the project, to facilitate the reconciliation of all the contending issues.
They specifically requested the relocation of the Ayangburen Market to a more suitable place and the consideration for compensation of some families, whose property were affected by the N30bn World Bank-assisted project.
They urged the state government to be fair to all in the resolution of the issues.
A former commissioner in the state, Mr. Ayodele Elesho, urged LAMATA to assist the women in developing the new site provided for them.
He also called on the managers of the project to consider those who had not been compensated, saying many houses on Lagos road were built over 60 to 70 years ago without any Certificate of Occupancy and other vital documents now being demanded by the government.
Elesho said “The area allocated for the construction of the new market is still being occupied by the police. Government should do something about this.
“The market women are our mothers and they sent us to school so that they won’t suffer. Many of them are the breadwinners of their families.”
He urged all government officials present on the occasion to find time to visit the new site allocated for the new market.
The Special Adviser on Education, Chief Fatai Olukoga, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola on the occasion, said the government meant well for the people of Ikorodu and urged them to continue with their support for the project.
Managing Director, LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said work on the project was progressing according to plan and would be delivered by December 2014.
The project involves the construction of additional lanes along the 13.5 kilometre road with the provision of walkways on both sides.
It also covers the rehabilitation of the existing road; construction of BRT stations at eight locations and three terminals.
The scope of the project shows the construction of pedestrian bridges at 10 locations; construction of a modern bus depot at Majidun with the provision of street lighting.
The project design covers the provision of concrete side drains and extension of pipe and box culverts; the construction of new bridges at nine locations and the provision of lay-byes for other public transport services.