The LASG, in an attempt to improve on theeconomic activities of citizens, elongate their life span by reducing travel time, approved payment of overN1.4billion as compensation for affected properties /owners on the Alignment/Right of way for construction and re-construction of dilapidated roads, flyover and ramps aimed at alleviating traffic gridlock in parts of Lagos metropolis.
While appreciating the State Government’s gesturein this regard, the Special Adviser, Urban Development, Mrs. YetundeOnabule,lauded His Excellency’s approval for removal of encumbrancesand construction of a precast / pretessed concrete dual carriage flyover and ramps at the Agege Pen Cinema.
This is with a view at alleviating the perennial traffic grid-lock encounteredat intersections by commuters around Agege, Oba Ogunji, Agunbiade, Old Abeokuta Road,Oko –Oba and Ipajaroad environs.
In her words, “this will help reduce travel time of people within this corridor with a multiplier effect on elongating theirlife span and resultant improvement on overall economic activities in the area and Lagos in general”.
Speaking further,MrsOnabule disclosed that His Excellency, Mr. AkinwunmiAmbode, also approved the construction of roads, re–construction of dilapidated roads, as well as expansion / dualisation of already existing Irede/ Abule-OsunRoad, off Lagos–BadagryExpressway, with the conclusion of acquisition process, enumeration of the properties along its right of way.
She noted that following the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978, which is the enabling Law for the revocation of Right of Occupancy (C of O), and payment of compensation thereof in the Country, the affected properties have been promptly revoked, and enumeration of all affected properties completed and compensation process / payment approved.
She affirmed that processing of payment of compensation further to the detailed enumeration exercise/data analysis on other acquired/revoked properties on the following areas to name a few are ongoing and they include:Orile/Badagry Road Expansion, Isawo Roadin Ikorodu,Epe Road Expansion Project (Phase II)IgbogboBaiyeku, Lagos Airport Road, Free Trade Zone Resettlement Land, Lekki Coastal and Adiyan Waterworks Phase II.
She however confirmed thatthe Lands Bureau has carried out a reconnaissance survey and detailed enumeration of over 123 properties / claimants affected by the Pen Cinema flyover and ramps project and this includes residential, commercial, retail, Petrol Filling Stations (PFS) and religious users,while over70 of such have been enumerated and captured for the reconstruction / dualisation of Irede/ Abule – Osun road.
In all, the compensation determined by the Bureau and approved by His Excellency, Mr. AkinwunmiAmbode, payableto all affected properties amounts to N1,245,678,602.00and N203,352,995.00 for theAgege Pen Cinema Flyover/Ramps andIrede/ Abule-Osun reconstruction / dualisation projectsrespectively.
The Lagos State Government urge affected residents where these exercises are on-going to speed up their verification processes, as the Government is ready to commence payment within the next few weeks.
She enjoined all affected property owners to forward the required details/documents which should include their Bank details and BVN numbers.