Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday, kicked off a week-long commissioning of 114 roads newly constructed in all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, with a pledge to commence the construction of second round of another 114 roads across the state soon.
The construction of the inner roads, which was an initiative of the Ambode administration and in fulfilment of his campaign promise, was geared towards massive intervention on access and link roads, boosting security and increasing the socio-economic well-being of residents of the state.
The newly constructed 114 roads which were designed with walkways, medians, street lights and standard drainage systems, were selected two per each of the 57 LGs and LCDAs in the State.
Governor Ambode, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Ikorodu North LCDA, said the feat was not a confirmation of a promise kept, but a testimony of the popular saying that nothing could stop a people who had resolved to move forward.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, recalled the contract of hope which he signed with the people during the campaign and his inaugural speech, adding that the completion of the 114 roads was a dawn of community development accelerated through inclusive governance and a historic leap of faith for his administration and the citizens.
“This means that the road network in our state has increased by 56.1 kilometres. It means that we have added 112 kilometres of walkways and covered drains.”
And it means additional 56.1 kilometres of our roads are being lit by independent powered street lights to improve the security of our neighborhoods, the visibility of pedestrians, commuters and motorists as well as creation of a night economy.
“At a time the national economy is facing financial challenges, our administration is able to inject over N19 billion into the economy of our state, stimulating employment and engaging the business sector.
“No fewer than 89 local companies executed the road project with supervision by the communities and government. About 5,700 direct jobs were created for professionals, artisans and labourers in the construction industry. A larger number of people, approximately 10,000 suppliers and dependants felt the positive impact of this stimulus package in their lives,” Governor Ambode said.