The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • LASTMA sensitises residents on traffic management

    LASTMA sensitises residents on traffic management

    The campaign and advocacy unit of the Lagos State Transportation Management Authority (LASTMA) has held a sensitisation programme for residents of Oduwaye and neighbouring communities in Gbagada area of Lagos State ahead of the construction of a multi-million naira flyover being built by the Deeper Life Bible Church in that area.

    The programme, which took place at the premises of Deeper Life Cathedral, Oduwaye Street, adjacent to the flyover site, was meant to prepare the residents and intimate them of measures that had already being put in place to reduce traffic congestion during the construction.

    LASTMA Deputy Controller of Operation, Mr. Philip Femi Ogunwale said the construction  is massive and would likely lead to traffic build-up in Gbagada area, saying that during the construction, LASTMA would deploy men and materials to reduce the hardship.

    The flyover upon completion, according to him, would ease traffic gridlock in the area as residents will no longer need to access the underground, but move via the flyover bridge.

    “The traffic gridlock that they normally experience, especially when they have programmes in the Cathedral will no longer be there. Those who have no business in the church will just pass through the bridge and go their way,” he said.

    The LASTMA’s Deputy Controller of Operation said the agency has put measures in place to ease traffic congestion in the area during the period. He enjoined residents to co-operate with LASTMA and the contractors handling the project until the construction is over.

    Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman, Araromi/Sawmill, Gbagada Chief Olukayode Onasanya hailed the project, lamenting the poor state of inner routes in the neighbourhood, saying many residents will suffer untold hardship should the construction commence without making the inner route accessible.

    Onasanya said: “We are happy about the project because it’s for the development of the area. But, if they want to do it, they have to take care of the access roads too. When it starts and everything is blocked, all motorists going to Araromi, Sawmill, Shoniyi Kiniun-Ifa to Ifako will find it difficult to connect their streets.

    “If there are access roads like Bakare Dauda Street through to Ope Odu, those coming from the express will just pass through that route and will not bother coming here at all. For Shoniyi, there is a route at Yetunde Brown, they will take that place and go to Shoniyi. They will not need passing here at all.”

    The Flyover Project Architect, Pastor Kayode Dada, said the contract had already been awarded to Julius Berger Construction Company, with the project expected to take off immediately.

    He said the flyover would be constructed alongside a four-level Motor Park for worshippers in the cathedral to be able to park their vehicles.

  • Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a handsome SUV that can fit in with just about any crowd. It accelerates and stops at rates that will impress even the most seasoned sports car driver. Off-road, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is at the top of the mountain for its class, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Equipped with the base gasoline V6 engine, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers satisfactory acceleration. It also provides a quiet, comfortable ride and a commendable sense of stability around turns. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a great ally, as it makes good use of the V6’s power and shifts very smoothly.All in all, most shoppers should be happy with the base-engine Grand Cherokee.

    The Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that comes in five trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. Each is available with rear-drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) except the high-performance SRT model, which is 4WD only.

    It gets a new shift lever that remains in the selected position, while the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 receives standard automatic stop-start technology along with variable valve timing and lift to incrementally improve fuel economy and horsepower. All trims except the SRT gets standard electric-assist power steering (with adjustable effort), and weight reductions across the line-ups come courtesy of additional aluminium suspension components. Finally, a new high altitude package debuts for the Overland, and the Grand Cherokee SRT gets a new gauge cluster (with a centre-mounted tachometer) and selectable performance modes.

    Once a staple of the new-car market, the traditional midsize SUV has become something of an endangered specie in recent years. But the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is quite alive. Starting with rear-wheel drive, just like SUVs in the olden days, the Grand Cherokee offers no fewer than three four-wheel-drive systems, and it’s every bit a Jeep on tough trails when properly equipped. At the same time, its luxurious interior and smooth ride also make it quite suitable for everyday driving. It’s a combination that few other SUVs can match.

    For a traditional midsize SUV, there are a couple other choices still around. The Toyota 4Runner, for example, promises excellent resale value and shares the Jeep’s off-road aptitude, though downsides include a back-to-basics interior and a single engine choice. If you want to class it up, the Volkswagen Touareg is a close match for the Jeep in terms of luxury features, and its cabin is arguably even nicer. However, its optional diesel engine is on hiatus for 2016, and it’s not the serious off-roader that the Grand Cherokee can be. Shoppers interested in a third seating row should check out the Dodge Durango, which uses a stretched version of the JGC’s platform and shares much of its equipment. But if you like the idea of a five-passenger SUV that can pretty much do it all, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice.

    The Grand Cherokee offers four various engines, giving shoppers an unusual degree of choice.

    Rear-wheel drive is standard on non-SRT Grand Cherokees, but these models also offer three available 4WD systems: the single-speed, light-duty Quadra-Trac I system (Laredo only), Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case (Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit) and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential (Limited, Overland and Summit). An adaptive air suspension (Quadra-Lift) and a driver-selectable traction control system that adjusts to different terrain are also available (optional on 4WD Limited, standard on 4WD Overland and Summit).

    The Grand Cherokee SRT comes with a specialised all-wheel-drive system tuned more for high-performance driving than off-road use.

     

    Safety

    The Jeep has antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control (4WD only; optional on Laredo and standard on the others), front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is standard from the Limited trim on up, as are rear parking sensors, while front parking sensors come standard on the summit.

    Additional safety technologies are available via the Advanced Technology Group option package that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a forward collision warning mitigation system with automatic braking.

    In Edmunds brake testing, a diesel 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped from 60 mph in 121 feet, a respectable distance for this class, while a 4WD Grand Cherokee with the gasoline V6 needed 133 feet, which is longer than average.

     

    Interior design and special features

    Even in the lower trim levels, the Jeep interior boasts impressive fit and finish. The optional 8.4-inch touchscreen is amazing. It features an easy-to-use interface and includes a WiFi hotspot and smartphone app integration, also housing the navigation system if the vehicle is so equipped. Sometimes it takes a few too many touch inputs to make climate control adjustments through the touchscreen, but apart from that minor complaint, the Grand Cherokee has one of the most user-friendly cabins in this class.

    The available dual-pane panoramic sunroof gives the jeep an airy, premium vibe inside.

    While the jeep has no third-row seat option, there’s ample room for a family of four or five, and you can order up a wide variety of luxury accoutrements, including ventilated front seats and a dual-screen, Blu-ray-capable rear entertainment system with an HDMI input. Backseat passengers should be pretty comfortable; as the Grand Cherokee provides enough space for two adults to relax (the centre position is compromised by the prominent driveline “hump” on the floor). With the rear seats in place, the cargo bay measures 36.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Jeep has 68.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

  • Coscharis technicians win Ford Int’l Award

    Coscharis Motors has been hailed by Ford Motor Company for being committed to the training of its staff and acquisition of skills to face increasing demand for excellent after-sales service delivery in the automobile industry.

    The company was awarded certificates and plaques of excellence after its technicians satisfactorily completed last year’s online training set by Ford Motor Company for its dealers in Sub-Sahara Africa.

    Coscharis Group Managing Director, Mr Josiah Samuel, while receiving the award, thanked Ford Motor Company for the recognition and assured that the company will continue in the vanguard for the advancement of technical training and service delivery in the Nigerian automobile industry.

    “Ford Motor Company has created this platform to help our technical team acquire skills and knowledge that will bring them up to speed with the rest of this fast changing automobile world. These plaques and certificates are indications that we have made good use of the platform,” he said.

    Coscharis Motors Training Manager, Mr Sunday Tanimowo said: “At Coscharis, we are committed to training and re-training of our staff and technicians to be abreast with the latest technology in the fast moving automobile industry. That is why we ensure that all relevant staff and technicians are registered and follow through to see that they participate in the respective training programmes of our principals and consequently earn their relevant certification.”

    General Manager Marketing and Corporate Services Mr Abiona Babarinde said: “This is good news for our esteemed loyal customers by going further with Ford, our technicians are now refreshed and reloaded to better handle your precious automobile machines and deliver greater value for your service needs at all times.”

  • Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a handsome SUV that can fit in with just about any crowd. It accelerates and stops at rates that will impress even the most seasoned sports car driver. Off-road, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is at the top of the mountain for its class, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Equipped with the base gasoline V6 engine, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers satisfactory acceleration. It also provides a quiet, comfortable ride and a commendable sense of stability around turns. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a great ally, as it makes good use of the V6’s power and shifts very smoothly.All in all, most shoppers should be happy with the base-engine Grand Cherokee.

    The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that comes in five trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. Each is available with rear-drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) except the high-performance SRT model, which is 4WD only.

    The Grand Cherokee gets a new shift lever that physically remains in the selected position, while the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 receives standard automatic stop-start technology along with variable valve timing and lift to incrementally improve fuel economy and horsepower. All trims except the SRT gets standard electric-assist power steering (with adjustable effort), and weight reductions across the line-ups come courtesy of additional aluminium suspension components. Finally, a new high altitude package debuts for the Overland, and the Grand Cherokee SRT gets a new gauge cluster (with a centre-mounted tachometer) and selectable performance modes.

    Once a staple of the new-car market, the traditional midsize SUV has become something of an endangered specie in recent years. But the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is quite alive. Starting with rear-wheel drive, just like SUVs in the olden days, the Grand Cherokee offers no fewer than three four-wheel-drive systems, and it’s every bit a Jeep on tough trails when properly equipped. At the same time, its luxurious interior and smooth ride also make it quite suitable for everyday driving. It’s a combination that few other SUVs can match.

    For a traditional midsize SUV, there are a couple other choices still around. The Toyota 4Runner, for example, promises excellent resale value and shares the Jeep’s off-road aptitude, though downsides include a back-to-basics interior and a single engine choice. If you want to class it up, the Volkswagen Touareg is a close match for the Jeep in terms of luxury features, and its cabin is arguably even nicer. However, its optional diesel engine is on hiatus for 2016, and it’s not the serious off-roader that the Grand Cherokee can be. Shoppers interested in a third seating row should check out the Dodge Durango, which uses a stretched version of the JGC’s platform and shares much of its equipment. But if you like the idea of a five-passenger SUV that can pretty much do it all, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice.

    The Grand Cherokee offers four different engines, giving shoppers an unusual degree of choice.

    Rear-wheel drive is standard on non-SRT Grand Cherokees, but these models also offer three available 4WD systems: the single-speed, light-duty Quadra-Trac I system (Laredo only), Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case (Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit) and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential (Limited, Overland and Summit). An adaptive air suspension (Quadra-Lift) and a driver-selectable traction control system that adjusts to different terrain are also available (optional on 4WD Limited, standard on 4WD Overland and Summit).

    The Grand Cherokee SRT comes with a specialised all-wheel-drive system tuned more for high-performance driving than off-road use.

     

    Safety

     

    The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control (4WD only; optional on Laredo and standard on the others), front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is standard from the Limited trim on up, as are rear parking sensors, while front parking sensors come standard on the Summit.

    Additional safety technologies are available via the Advanced Technology Group option package that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a forward collision warning mitigation system with automatic braking.

    In Edmunds brake testing, a diesel 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped from 60 mph in 121 feet, a respectable distance for this class, while a 4WD Grand Cherokee with the gasoline V6 needed 133 feet, which is longer than average.

     

    Interior design and special features

     

    Even in the lower trim levels, the Grand Cherokee’s interior boasts impressive fit and finish. The optional 8.4-inch touchscreen is amazing. It features an easy-to-use interface and includes a WiFi hotspot and smartphone app integration, also housing the navigation system if the vehicle is so equipped. Sometimes it takes a few too many touch inputs to make climate control adjustments through the touchscreen, but apart from that minor complaint, the Grand Cherokee has one of the most user-friendly cabins in this class.

    The available dual-pane panoramic sunroof gives the Grand Cherokee an airy, premium vibe inside.

    While the Grand Cherokee has no third-row seat option, there’s ample room for a family of four or five, and you can order up a wide variety of luxury accoutrements, including ventilated front seats and a dual-screen, Blu-ray-capable rear entertainment system with an HDMI input. Backseat passengers should be pretty comfortable; as the Grand Cherokee provides enough space for two adults to relax (the centre position is compromised by the prominent driveline “hump” on the floor). With the rear seats in place, the cargo bay measures 36.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Jeep has 68.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

     

  • Volvo replaces car key with phone

    Volvo replaces car key with phone

    volvo is to become the first car maker to sell models without keys.

    The car maker hopes the technology will give customers greater flexibility and make the hiring and sharing of vehicles easier

    From next year, buyers will be able to download an app to their mobile phone which replaces a physical key with a digital one.

    In a ground-breaking move for the car industry, Volvo says its innovative Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology will offer customers more flexibility when using and sharing cars.

    The new Volvo app enables the digital key on a customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does, such as locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and allowing the engine to be started.

    It will also offer customers the possibility of getting more than one digital key on their app, allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations, according to changing needs.

    Using the app, people could potentially book and pay for a rental car anywhere in the world and have the digital car key delivered to their phone immediately.

    On arrival, a customer could simply locate the rental car via GPS, unlock it and drive away, avoiding those frustrating queues at airport or train station car rental desks.

    Owners will also be able to send their digital key to other people via their mobile phones so they can also use the car. This may be to family members, friends or work colleagues.

    Volvo’s Product Strategy Vice President Henrik Green, said: “At Volvo, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time.

    “Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way.

    “Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a car can be accessed and shared. Instead of sitting idle in a parking lot the entire day, cars could be used more often and efficiently by whoever the owner wishes.”

    Volvo will pilot the technology later in the year via its car-sharing firm Sunfleet, stationed at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017.

    While some modern cars can be opened and started remotely, they still need the owner to have a key with them.

    This new step by Volvo takes key-less technology to the next level.

    Volvo is a pioneer with new digital key solutions. In 2015, it launched the world’s first commercial offer to have online shopping delivered directly to the car by providing a one-time digital key to a delivery company.

    Now the digital key technology will also be made available for customers.

    It said that under the new system physical keys will still be offered to drivers who want them.

    The keyless car technology will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.

     

  • LCC, residents parley on Lekki access road

    AFTER series of meetings, contractors are to resume the construction on more road arteries in the Lekki axis of Lagos to decongest traffic on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway.

    The development came on the heels of the resolution of the misunderstanding between Messrs Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the firm franchised by the Lagos State Government to upgrade the high and residents of Still Water Gardens Estate.

    It was part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that LCC will open up an access road to create an alternative to the tolled highway as it will be useful to residents when completed.

    But, the construction of the network of roads was stalled halfway following the uncooperative posture of residents of the estate, who believed a road through their estate would worsen traffic.

    The agreement between the parties was reached after a parley by LCC officials, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and representative of the residents’ association.

    It was agreed at the parley that work should resume for an immediate completion of the road.

    According to LCC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Shakirat Babatunde, residents of the Still Waters Gardens Estate have realised that building the road will decongest traffic in Lekki.

    She said the construction of the road was part of the original master plan for Lekki since 2008, adding that it will pass through the Oando Filling Station in Lekki.

    The residents had pleaded with the LCC not to build the road, insisting that it will worsen the traffic situation within the Lekki axis.

    According to them, opening up the access will worsen the security situation in the area. They had suggested to the LCC that rather than extending the road to the Jankande end of Lekki, it should stop at the estate gate.

    But, Mrs Babatunde argued that the proposed project will create multiple access for road users with no danger posed to the Still Waters Gardens Estate.

    Her words: “The proposed road will create multiple points of entry and exit for the estate residents and other road users. By that singular road construction, over 80 per cent of the pressure on the Lekki axis will be taken away from road users.

    “It currently takes people about three to four hours to move through the roads but on completion of this access road, such challenge is going to be resolved.”

    Speaking further, the LCC chief assured residents of the company’s support to the estate.

    She said the LCC suspended work to allow for dialogue with the residents in the spirit of fair play. “After our dialogue, we have found better ways to go about the road. We will ensure that the end result will be of greater benefits to Lagosians. We do not believe in imposing our ideas on others and that prompted us to push for this dialogue,” Mrs. Babatunde said.

    LASTMA’s General Manager Mr Bashiru Braimah urged the LCC management to avail his agency with the traffic management and impact assessment plans of the project.

    He said such documents will equip the authority with a better understanding  of the traffic flow to further decongest traffic in the course of the construction.

  • Toyota recalls three million SUVs over seatbelt problem

    Toyota recalls three million SUVs over seatbelt problem

    JAPANESE car manufacturer Toyota is going to recall almost three million of its cars worldwide after a potential weakness was discovered concerning the vehicle’s seatbelts.
    The recall applies to RAV4 SUV models produced between July 2005 and August 2014.
    There are 48,616 vehicles affected in the United Kingdom (UK).
    The model – the RAV4 SUV – is being recalled due to a possible seatbelt problem.
    While investigating a fatal crash in Canada in 2011, Canada’s transport ministry discovered that in a severe front-impact crash, the rear seatbelts could possibly be severed by metal parts of the seat frames.
    According to Reuters, Toyota is aware of these findings, “while adding that it had not been able to confirm a connection with injuries or fatalities”.
    Toyota RAV4 SUV owners in the UK will be contacted by Toyota by post or phone if their vehicle is affected.
    It is not clear whether users of the product in Nigeria are affected as Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) is yet to make official statement regarding the recall.
    In UK, owners will visit their local Toyota centre by appointment, where work will be undertaken to rectify the issue. Toyota will be adding resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame to counteract the problem at no cost to the customer. Toyota estimates that the work will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.
    The recall will affect nearly three million vehicles globally: 1.3 million in the USA, 624,642 in Europe and 918,000 in the rest of the world.
    If owners require additional information they can contact their local Toyota Centre or the recall helpline on 0800 876 6750.

  • Hyundai Motor sells 64.96m units

    Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, has announced its 2015 full-year business results.

    Sales volume and sales revenue increased while operating profit declined from the same period last year, mainly due to weak cross currencies, increased promotional activities due to heightened competition amongst automakers and profit decline from non-auto business.

    The auto giant claimed it sold 64.96 million units worldwide throughout last year.

    Hyundai Motor forecasts that an unfavourable business environment is likely to continue this year.

    Emerging markets including China will continue posting slower growths. Also growing geopolitical risks and low oil price will lengthen economic stagnation, leading to steeper competition amongst automakers.

    Nevertheless, Hyundai Motor will continue its efforts in establishing sustainable growth with R&D investment to strengthen state-of-the-art technology development and securing eco-friendly technology leadership. Hyundai Motor aims to sell 5.01 million vehicles globally.

    It plans to achieve its goal with new model like All-new Elantra, Brand-new IONIQ offered in three eco-friendly powertrain (HEV, PHEV, Full-EV) and Hyundai Motor’s luxury brand Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea) large luxury sedan in 2016 to major global markets.

    Hyundai Motor will continue strengthening its cooperation with suppliers and actively carry out Corporate Social Responsibilities to create more values to customers and stakeholders alike.

  • FERMA to rehabilitate 103 roads, 10 bridges

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has said plans are underway to rehabilitate 103 roads and 10 bridges across the country.

    This is to facilitate proper maintenance and repairs of the roads, to ensure that all federal roads are made motorable all year round.

    Its Managing Director Peter Ibu, an engineer, stated this in Abuja while defending the 2016 budget before the Senate Committee on Works, and the House Committee on FERMA at the National Assembly Complex.

    Ibu hinted that the agency through the award of contracts and direct labour mechanism in 2015, was able to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerians by embarking on the repair of major economic roads linking states, which helped to minimise accidents during the yuletide period.

    The FERMA boss said priority would be given to more economically viable roads across the nation this year because of the economic value to their locality and the nation, as this would upgrade the commercial activities in the six geopolitical zones.

    According to him, FERMA was positioned to perform optimally, but due to certain constraints beyond its control, the agency had to make use of the best options available. The constraints according to Ibu range from inadequate funding, delayed releases of fund, abuse of highway by articulated vehicles through excessive loading, among others.

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said FERMA is a vital tool which should be repositioned for greater achievement in the future.

    Fashola said he has planned to upgrade the agency to the status of a Federal Government Construction company to deal with full road construction and maintenance.

    While reacting to the presentation, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya urged FERMA to double its efforts to ensure that over 80 per cent of roads budgeted are rehabilitated and well maintained to Nigerians the much needed dividends of democracy.

    Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Jerry Alagbaoso, cautioned the agency on the implementation of its 2016 budget to reflect the genuine change that will benefit the people.

  • Council warns contractors over road project

    Executive Secretary, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area(LCDA) Bamise Kazeem, has warned the management of Jaseal Construction Limited to complete the rehabilitation of Adepimbe Road linking the Ikorodu area of Lagos within the completion date.

    He also urged the residents to support the contractors to ensure ‘‘unhindered access to the site.”

    Speaking during an inspection of the road, he said: ‘‘we will ensure that payment is made to the contractors without delay, so the road will be completed in six months. It is a very strategic road.”

    Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri community, Solomon Olatunji, pleaded with traders to cooperate with the engineers to avoid disruption.

    “I live in Balogun-Oyero Street and will say the engineers are trying. About the area boys, we are trying our best possible to let them leave the construction site. I have told them that if they are caught by the government, the community won’t do anything because they have been warned.”

    The council’s Head of Administration, Kehinde Yusuf, sought the cooperation of traders to ease the work of the contractors.

    According to him, ‘‘Traders need to give way because it is not a market place. If it is turned into a market place, our efforts to change the face of this road will be fruitless. They need to know the usefulness of the road.’’

    Charles Osuntuyi, an engineer with Jaseal Construction Limited, lamented that some houses were obstructing the construction work.

    He, however, said that work had been going as scheduled.

    “When the houses and shops are out, we will be able to meet the deadline. Residents need to be patient,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the residents are upbeat about the project, in spite of the fact that some shops and houses in Balogun-Oyero Street had been demolished since the construction work began in January.

    A resident, Chibike Okafor, who lives in Adebimpe Street, said he couldn’t believe that there could be a road on that street because it had been dominated by traders.

    “I have been living here for five years and never imagined a road demarcated the houses. I am glad we will have access to the road because it is the only road that links to the expressway,” he said.

    A trader, Muthari Jinjiri, who sells yams at the Shukura Yam depot, expressed the hope that construction would be completed in time, adding that the road was always a disaster during the rainy season.

    Another resident, Olu Muyiwa, however, pleaded with the contractor to first finish one side of the road, which leads to Mile 12 Market.

    He said: ‘‘I am very impressed because I can’t believe this opportunity is coming to our community. People should know that our votes count. Our leaders are not working in vain. I urge residents to comply with the engineers. Our Executive Secretary has done well; so we need to support him.’’