Sanwo-Olu Commissions 7 Roads In Oniru-victoria Island Axis (Photos) by BrandSpurNG : 4:40am

It is a huge traffic relief for residents and road users

around Iru and Victoria Island axes of Lagos

State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday,

commissioned Victoria Island-Lekki Traffic

Circulation Project in which seven gridlock-prone roads

were completely re-designed and re-constructed with

concrete slabs.

The improved roads are within the commercial areas of Iru

and Victoria Island. The Victoria Island-Lekki Traffic

Circulation Project was delivered through the Public

Infrastructure Improvement Partnership (PIIP) framework,

under which the State Government collaborated with

Access Bank Plc and Planet Projects Limited to bring the

project to reality.

Last December, Sanwo-Olu flagged off the construction of

the roads, which were notorious for heavy traffic

congestion that affected the growth of businesses and

reduced productivity.

Cutting the ribbon to officially declared the roads open for

public use on Thursday, the Governor said it was another

promise fulfilled by his administration in its traffic

improvement programmes. He said the improvement and

re-construction work done on the roads had enhanced road

connectivity and traffic flow on the axis. Sanwo-Olu added

that the project had also reduced travel time for

commuters, eliminated perennial flooding hitherto

experienced in the area, and boosted intermodal

transportation. He said: “One of the critical challenges

experienced by residents and road users along this axis

was the heavy traffic congestion occasioned by the

geometric increase in traffic volume, which led to a

significant reduction in productivity and growth business

activities in this highly commercial location. As

Government, we resolved to work in partnership with

public-spirited corporate organisations to embark on the

road improvement project. This project was executed

through the Public Infrastructure Improvement Partnership

(PIIP) arrangement.

“Today, I have the pleasure to hand over these improved

roads to users and residents. This project has led to an

improvement in road connectivity and traffic flow. We have

also reduced travel time, eliminated perennial flooding

issues, enhanced intermodal transportation.

Most importantly, we have improved the health and socio-

economic well being of the people through the Victoria

Island–Lekki Circulation Project in Oniru Axis.”

Sanwo-Olu explained that the implementation of the

Transportation and Traffic Management pillar of his

administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.

Agenda deliberately focussed on the provision of

infrastructure using technology and innovation to achieve

pre-conceived objectives of reducing travel time and

providing better riding surface for vehicles.

He said the key outcome from the execution of the

Circulation Project was the traffic diffusion, which, he said,

had made a considerable positive impact on businesses

and residents living in the area.

The Governor said the pressure being exerted on the public

finances by various sectors made it difficult for the State

Government alone to fund infrastructure, pointing out that

the only available option was to create extra-budgetary

capital for roads maintenance and improvement.

He said: “It is on this note that I appreciate Access Bank

Plc for its collaborative efforts in the area of public

infrastructure improvement. With this partnership, the State

Government and Access Bank have reinforced the

importance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at

delivering public infrastructure.

“While we hope to continue to harness the benefits this

collaboration, I am inviting the Organised Private Sector to

partner with Government for maintenance and rehabilitation

of existing infrastructure so that the Government can

concentrate more on the provision of new road

Infrastructure. We will reciprocate this kind gesture in

commensurate measure.”

Sanwo-Olu urged residents and road users to take

ownership of the rehabilitated roads, advising them to

guard the infrastructure jealously.

“Government and Access Bank have done their bit. The

project remains a public property owned by all residents.

Therefore, protecting the roads will further encourage the

sponsors, other corporate organisations and Government to

do more,” the Governor said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and

Infrastructure, Engineer Aramide Adeyoye, described the

project as “iconic”, pointing out that it was one of the first

road rehabilitation exercises to be flagged-off by the

Sanwo-Olu administration under PIIP framework.

She said the PIIP arrangement would form the bedrock of

the current administration’s strategy to increase the

participation of the private sector development

programmes.

Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert

Wigwe, applauded the State Government for supporting the

initiative conceived by the bank.

He said the financial institution would be willing to partner

more with the Government to deliver more projects.

The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal,

praised both the State Government and the bank for

bringing the Circulation Traffic Project to reality. He called

on other corporations that have offices in Victoria Island to

embark on similar development projects for improved

commercial activities on the axis.

The improved roads span a total length of 1.8 kilometres,

which started from Muri Okunola Extension, to Ligali

Ayorinde, Akin Olugbade, Elegba Festival Road and Yesufu

Abiodun Oniru Road up to Four Points by Sheraton.

There is also improveIt is a huge traffic relief for residents and road users