Recurring accidents, unprecedented traffic jams and continued public outcry on the state of disrepair of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will soon become a thing of the past as President Goodluck Jonathan launched its reconstruction and expansion at the weekend, assuring that adequate funding arrangements have been put in place to ensure its completion in 48 months. DAYO AYEYEMI, reports.
President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians, especially residents, commuters and motorists plying the dilapidated Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that adequate funding would be made available to see its reconstruction through to completion as scheduled.
The president disclosed this at the weekend during the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the road at Shagamu Interchange, Ogun State.
While assuring Nigerians that his government is committed to timely completion of the project, he explained that adequate arrangement for its funding has been put in place.
Besides, he stated that his administration has commenced negotiation with The Infrastructure Bank Plc (TIB), to complement Federal Government's contribution to the project cost.
He said, "In addition to annual appropriation for the project, this administration has commenced negotiation with The Infrastructure Bank Plc (TIB), to complement Federal Government contribution to the project cost. "With this arrangement, funding is assured and the project can be completed as scheduled."
He maintained that the flag-off of the reconstruction and expansion of Lagos- Ibadan Expressway was in fulfilment of his promise to re-award the contract after the termination of the concession agreement earlier entered into between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney for reconstruction.
Contract for the reconstruction of Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, spanning 127.8 kilometres was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Limited at a total sum of N167 billion. Both companies have a period of 48 months to complete the projects.
It is estimated that 83,000 vehicles ply the road daily. The road project has been divided into two sections with section one spanning Lagos to Shagamu , while section two encompasses Shagamu to Ibadan.
Messrs Julius Berger is in charge of section one of the road which commences from Lagos to Shagamu interchange, while RCC is in charge of section two of the project starting from Shagamu Interchange to Ibadan.
The reconstruction and expansion of Lagos- Ibadan dual carriageway from Lagos to Shagamu, a total length of 43.6 kilometres, commences at Old Toll Gate in Ikosi-Ketu in Lagos State and terminates at Shagamu interchange in Ogun State.
The scope of work in section one involves the reconstruction of the existing two lanes carriageway in each direction and addition of a third lane to give three lanes in each direction.
The work also includes the construction of an interchange at Redeem Camp and five pedestrian bridges, as well as the maintenance of 10 existing bridges among other ancillary works.
From Shagamu to Ibadan, the project commences at Shagamu interchange in Ogun State and terminates at Ojoo interchange in Oyo State, and has a total length of about 84.0 kilometres.
The road is made up of a two-lane dual carriageway of 7.3metres for each direction. The works also include the maintenance of 12 existing bridges among other ancillary works.
The Federal Government had in 2009 entered into a concession agreement Messrs Bi- Courtney Highway Services to reconstruct and expand the road to 10-lane expressway.
Four years later and due to non-performance by the concessionaire which resulted in recurring fatal accidents, unprecedented traffic jams, security breaches, compromised public health and safety and the continued public outcry on the state of disrepair of this road, the concession agreement was terminated in May, 2012.
After two reputable companies were deployed by the federal authority to carry out emergency repair works on the road to ease the flow of traffic and at the same time, commenced the process of procuring the contracts for reconstruction and expansion.
After the procurement of contracts for the road was completed, two construction companies: Julius Berger Plc and RCC emerged as successful bidders and were subsequently awarded the contracts.
Expressing gratitude to President Jonathan for the intervention, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, drew the attention of the president to other federal roads in the state begging for attention.
He mentioned Shagamu-Ogijo-Mosimi- Ikorodu road; and Shagamu-Papalanto highway as two federal roads that required urgent intervention in the state. He enjoined President Jonathan to compel the Federal Ministry of Works to consider the routine maintenance of Lagos- Ibadan Expressway when completed in order to safeguard the huge investment in reconstructing the highway.
In a statement by Julius Berger Plc, the company said the project would generate thousands of jobs during construction and promised to deliver on time.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolomemen, an architect, said his ministry would ensure that the reconstruction of the road is given adequate supervision to guarantee quality on completion.
He added that the federal authority would also collaborate with the private sector to ensure that the project is adequately funded in order to bring it to quick completion.
The road is the first dual carriageway in Nigeria, constructed over 35 years ago. The road is a major artery that connects Lagos, the economic nerve centre of the nation and host of major Nigerian sea ports to other states of federation.
Some of the dignitaries at the flag off include PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Adefulie –Orelope, cabinet ministers, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona among others.
