Governor unveils plan to transform Ebute Metta into tourists' haven

chika ebuzor

December 22, 2015 5:57 AM

Ambode spoke during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, which also featured the commissioning of Ipaja-Ayobo and Ikotun-Ejigbo roads in the state.

Akinwunmi Ambode

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday unveiled plans to transform Ebute Metta into a tourists’ haven.

He said that the state government planned to establish a recreation park on the stretch of land overlooking the lagoon, adjacent to the Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge.

The governor expressed dissatisfaction with the refusal of auto mechanics operating under the bridge to vacate the site despite repeated notice.

He, therefore, gave them a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the site and remove all abandoned vehicles for the project to begin.

Ambode said it was important for them to appreciate that the land was needed for overall public interest in the state.

He said that all things being equal, the project would be completed before the end of May 2017 when Lagos State would be 50 years old.

The governor also formally commissioned the Ejigbo Road and assured residents that street lights would be installed on the road from Ikotun Roundabout to the Isolo Campus of Lagos Polytechnic within three months.

He also inspected the on-going construction work at the popular Brown Street in Oshodi, where he was briefed by Mr Baha, the project Manager for Lobrics Construction Company.

The governor said that the project, which commenced about six weeks ago, was over 40 per cent completed and expressed optimism that the residents in the area would enjoy the benefits of the new road when completed.

After being briefed by the Executive Secretary of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Adeola Dawood, on the challenges of the adjourning Igbehinadun and Inasa Streets, the governor ordered the Public Works Corporation to rehabilitate both streets within the next seven days.

While charging the contractor to ensure the completion of Brown Street by the end of February 2016, the governor urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the contractor so as to deliver the projects within the stipulated time frame.

At the Oshodi Resettlement Market, Gov. Ambode also ordered the Public Works Corporation to resurface its car park in preparation for the reopening of the market.

Ambode also advised the developer of the market to consider a `rent-to-own` modality for acquisition of the shops, saying that a monthly payment plan would prevent the shops from being hijacked by businessmen.

chika ebuzor