Again, Lagos—Ibadan Road Repair Misses Fashola’s Deadline

• FG appeals for patience, opens OPIC section

Motorists plying Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, were, yesterday, disappointed that the earlier promise by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola that the final stretch of the road will be completed on April 30.

According to the Guardian, the stretch, which runs from old Toll Gate through Kara Bridge to Long Bridge, had became a nightmare for motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch.

Commuters, who could not wait to see the completion of the road because of tales of death that has characterised the 24-year-old project, woke up to see that only the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and Long Bridge were completed and opened to traffic.

A commuter, Collins Aremu, who witnessed the opening of the section, yesterday, and was hoping to see that the entire stretch opened to traffic, lamented that the minister had for the umpteen time, failed on his promises on completion of the road.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has appealed for patience and understanding of motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch from Toll Gate to Kara Bridge, as reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway enters its final phase.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, through his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said he empathises with members of the public who have had to endure longer than usual traffic as the reconstruction work in the heavily built-up stretch progresses towards the finish line.

According to the Minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic, which had to be accommodated at the same time, have been complicated by impatience on the part of some motorists who drive against the planned traffic flow and breakdown of vehicles.

He however noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is working with the Lagos State Government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimise the discomfort of motorists.

The Minister also explained that the contractors are also being encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work are concluded as soon as possible.

“While noting that the earlier envisaged April 30 date for conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors, work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and the Long Bridge has been completed and opened to traffic yesterday.

“This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Inter-change on Section 1 of the Project has been completed.
“All attention would now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger (both bounds)”, the minister added.