The Nation Newspaper

Category: Property

  • ‘Our concerns over Fourth Mainland Bridge’

    ‘Our concerns over Fourth Mainland Bridge’

    Enviromentalists, communities and stakeholders are concerned over the backlash of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge. This is as likely ‘victims’ of the project are positioning for adequate compensation, concrete actions on aquatic life, traffic and flood management that may ensue, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

     

    Communities along the planned 4th Mainland Bridge  axis have expressed fears over the impact of the soon-to-be built bridge. For over 20 years, construction of the bridge has been on the lips of successive government in the state.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting in Eti-Osa Local Government Area on the environmental and social impact of the proposed bridge on Abraham Adesanya, 10 families, HFP and Ogombo community and others at Okera Nla, Addo Road in the same council area, residents raised concerns over bad roads, flooding, gridlock and security.

    An engineer with HFP Engineering, Osais Ogbeide, advised government not to hurry to build the bridge without taking care of flooding and traffic gridlock on the axis. A resident of Eden Gardens, Nnaji Ofor, also asked that the environmental impact analysis of the 38-kilometre bridge should be done before construction.

    A representative  from Ajah/Badore Counci, Alhaji Yekini, advised against demolishing houses and businesses places without completing the contract. A resident of Ogombo Village, Olusoji Fabuda, advised government to put in place good traffic management, alternative routes, shuttle bus to Ajah and a towing centre to make for freer movement on the axis unlike the traffic snarl the residents experience daily basis.

    Another resident of Abraham Adesanya, Celena Amao, lamented that they spent hours daily which should be taken into consideration before constructing the bridge.

    Generally, their concerns bordered on the bad roads, flooding, gridlock and security which the  government team took turns to proffer solutions to.

    The team assured that the bridge would be executed with minimal discomfort, and in consideration of the input of stakeholders on its alignment.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Raheem Owokoniran, while responding, explained that contractors had moved to site to fix potholes on some of the corridors, urging members of the communities to support the government in its bid to make life better for the people.

    “A lot of work has been done and this stakeholders’ meeting is necessary to get your input. The proposed 38 kilometres 4th Mainland Bridge when completed would reduce congestion on roads in Lekki, as well as Badore, and would bring in investments to the axis”.

    He promised that every idea, input and contributions from stakeholders would be considered.

    A Director in the ministry, Mr Tokunbo Ajanaku, said the generic alignment of the project was subject to readjustment, adding that the social and environmental impacts on stakeholders were important to government.

    Ajanaku said the government had been working, and planning the construction of the bridge since year 2000, and plans were in place to ensure speedy completion of the project based on recommendations made by the stakeholders.

    “We must work together, what we have come here to do is to ask you to make our ideas better.

    “In 20 years, we have considered 16 options. It tells you that the 4th Mainland Bridge just like any project is a work in progress.

    ” It requires tinkering because we are studying and engaging with you, we would get it right, ” he said.

    Ajanaku said that the government would open a virtual project information room to continue getting feedback from stakeholders on best environmental and social impacts assessment for the take-off of construction.

    He said government had adopted measures to tackle issues of security, flooding and gridlock raised by the stakeholders.

    However, they hailed the government for coming up with a design that reduced the number of houses to be demolished from 4,000 to 800.

    At the meeting, for Itamaga, Sawmill (Sagamu Road), Eyita/Ojokoro, Agric-Owutu, Ishawo and Tapa communities, held on Ikorodu-Sagamu Road.

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) raised alarm over some of its important road setbacks which would be consumed by the project and also raised concerns on how a proposed rail project would fit into the school plan. Furthermore, he argued that if the proposed plan is not tilted to the institution’s advantage, they may lose accreditation on some courses especially in agriculture and engineering.

    LASPOTECH, represented by an architect, Mr Ajibade Adeyemi, said some proposals had been submitted to the state government, while calling for another meeting with the institution. He said: “ The Ikorodu Master Plan has taken over 100 hectares of land from the institution plus a rail sub-station.

    “Our school of Agriculture and Irrigation Engineering has been eaten up by the  4th Mainland Bridge plan  how do we get accreditation for several of our courses from the Nigeria University Commission, he queried.”

    Chairman, Igbogbo Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Sesan Daini, reminded residents of the efforts of the government to reduce demolition of houses on the Right of Way of the project.

    He appealed to residents to show appreciation and not begin to sell land on the project alignment currently used as makeshift stalls for some traders.

    Daini said Igbogbo Bayekun Road was a complementing road to several facilities in the area, pleading that it should be included among roads linking any of the interchanges to the proposed bridge.

    Also, the traditional ruler of Igbogbo, Oba Orimadegun Kasali, appealed to land grabbers to obey instructions not to sell land on the Right of Way (RoW) of the project.

    “Let us be ready to support and accommodate this project which will benefit all of us,” he said.

  • Govt committed to resettling Okobaba Saw millers

    Govt committed to resettling Okobaba Saw millers

    By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

     

    The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to resettling the Okobaba Saw Millers, assuring that it will provide complementary services and infrastructure that will make life more meaningful for them at their new home at Agbowa- lkosi.

    The relocation of the sawmillers has been a controversial issue before now as they resisted previous attempts to relocate them and clean up the area.

    Commissioner of Physical Planning & Urban Development Dr ldris Salako, in an interview, said government was more committed than ever to clean up the area. He said other areas marked for remodeling were Otto, lkota, llasan, Bariga, Shomolu, Obalende and lfelodun, adding that all title in Obalende had expired.

    In the same vein, he said the Committee of the House of Representatives on Relocation of Tank Farms and Tank Farm operators have adopted a co-habitation policy against earlier relocation plan.

    The new policy is aimed at upgrading basic infrastructure in host communities where Tank Farms are located. Recall that the state government had earlier given Tank Farm operators ultimatum to commence the process of regularising their facilities by filling the application for planning permit.

    Salako said that the operations of the Tank Farms had thrown up many challenges for the state, including pipeline vandalism, environmental degradation, fire outbreak, traffic congestion and destruction of public infrastructure among others.

    To ease the challenges, Salako said it was paramount for Tank Farms to provide complementary facilities and services such as holding bays, traffic personnel.

    Stated that there are several agencies of government both federal and state, responsible for the operation of tank farms. However, the approval to construct a tank farm is the preserve of the state government.

    ‘’Other agencies are also involved, like getting fire service clearance with conditions to be met, secure police report, clearance from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, safety commission must also certify conditions to be met before granting permit to construct a tank farm. Also Environment and Social Impact Assessments, EIA, will be conducted in the process,” Salako explained.

    Speaking on proliferation of tank farms in the state, he recalled that during the administration of then Governor Babatunde Fashola in 2007, embargo was placed on construction of tank farms. “Approval was suspended. Then there were about just 10 tank farms but we have up to 41 tank farms now. The policy, during Fashola administration was that all tank farms should relocate to Ibeju-Lekki but due to unknown reasons they have failed to relocate,” he further added.

    Salako continued, “About two months ago, the Committee of the House of Representatives on Relocation of Tank Farms came to us and we looked at the issue again.

    “Considering the fact that the operations of tank farm critical to the nation’s economy, the state government proposed policy of co-habitation.

    “We deliberated and both parties were of the opinion that rather than relocating them we should adopt policy of co-habitation looking at the fact that the tank farms have been in existence for long.

    “So with the new policy, the tank farm owners and government will be responsible for provision of necessary social amenities and other basic needs for the communities.

    “We agreed that there should be buffer zone of 250 metres to 500 metres between the tank farm and the community.

    “The state Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also approved for us to prepare action area plans for the implementation of the policy, especially the Ijegun-Egba, in Satellite Town, Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area, LCDA.

    “We have also invited tank farm owners to a stakeholders’ forum to intimate them with the new policy and come up with their area of operation as well as  Corporate Social Responsible, CSR. They all agreed and we gave them a timeline which will expire next week.

    “Eight of the owners have responded til-date. The timeline is for them to come up with the design and blue print that will ensure that all amenities to make life liveable for community are provided.”

    The areas where the tank farms mainly located, are: Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, between Trinity and Coconut, Ijora-Badia, Apapa and Ijegun-Egba, Oriade LCDA.

    In a related development, Salako revealed that the state government would no longer grant planning permit for the siting or construction of gas plants within residential areas in the metropolis.

    This decision, according to him, was to prevent incessant gas explosions with associated loss of lives and valuable in the state.  “We are shutting down existing gas plants. We are also collaborating with safety commission in this area. In the next six months, the state authority will be preparing action area plan to take gas plant out and also come out with requirements for locating gas plants in the state,” Salako said. He added that  the ministry is engaging  the safety commission, Ministry of Energy and  Mineral Resources  to give their inputs to the plan.

     

     

  • Australia defends climate stance

    Australia defends climate stance

    Our Reporter

     

    AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Scott Morrison, last week addressed the country’s climate change commitments after being urged by his British counterpart to take “bold action” to reach net zero carbon emissions.

    Downing Street released details of an overnight call in which British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasised to Morrison “the importance of setting ambitious targets to cut emissions and reach Net Zero.”

    Johnson also noted that “the UK’s experience demonstrates that driving economic growth and reducing emissions can go hand-in-hand,” the statement said.

    Morrison initially brushed off the comments when questioned by reporters on Wednesday, saying “the key focus of our discussion last night was actually on the UK free trade agreement.”

    But he quickly went on to defend his climate stance, saying that the country’s policies “won’t be set in the United Kingdom, they won’t be set in Brussels, they won’t be set in any part of the world other than here.”

    “One thing the British prime minister and I agree on is that achieving emissions reductions shouldn’t come at the cost of jobs in Australia or the UK.”

    Britain has a policy of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this week Japan – one of Australia’s main trading partners – also announced its 2050 commitment.

    The Australian government has promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 26 and 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, but it is yet to set a long-term target.

    Morrison has been pushing his plan for a “gas-led recovery,” out of the COVID-19 recession, which includes major projects that environmental experts have labelled a “climate disaster.”

  • ‘Why construction is stalled in Rivers’

    ‘Why construction is stalled in Rivers’

    Our Reporter

     

    DEVELOPERS in Rivers State have decried the high cost of cement. They said the steady increase in the price of the commodity has affected construction. Cement price across the three major cement companies in Lagos for instance hovers between N2,650 and N2,700 but same cannot be said of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    Checks on the current price regime  revealed that a bag of Dangote Cement which was sold at N3,000 last week now goes for between N4,000 and N4,500, while a bag of Elephant Cement that sold for N2,600 now sells at N3,500, white cement is between N3,300 and N3,500.

    The new price regime represents an increase of about N900 per bag, which translates to about 45 per cent rise in a swoop.

    A visit to some construction sites  showed that many builders had stopped work as a result of the astronomical increase in this important building component.

    It was gathered that the sudden increase in prices of cement became visible during the #EndSARS protests across the country.

    Reacting to the development in an interview, a developer lbecheme Kinika said: “Just two weeks ago, I bought a bag for N2,600, only to mobilise for continuation of work today and find out that the price has increased to N3,500.

    “How many bags will I buy with the little amount I have now. I will wait till things normalise and I know things will normalise.”

    Contributing, Mrs Ngozi Uruakpa, a dealer, lamented that the #EndSARS affected her supplies which led to the increase on the price of her old stock. She advised government to listen to the demonstrators and kick-start the economy which is almost comatose. She said though she didn’t go out nor allowed her teenage children to join in the demonstration, she asked the government to reach a truce so that there could be peace while businesses would return in top gear.

    A cement dealer in Diobu, Stanley Madukwe, said the shortage in supply of cement was responsible for the increase in its prices.

    According to him, the high cost of transporting cement to Port H arcourt occasioned by the #EndSARS protests led to the increase in the price of the product.

    Madukwe, who said he had exhausted his in stock, however, expressed hope that things would return to normalcy as soon as the protests were over.

     

  • Group plans N3 million per house delivery

    Group plans N3 million per house delivery

    Our Reporter

     

    WORRIED about the  inadequacy of houses and the high cost of building in the country, a firm, the Pertinence Group, is mulling how to build a house with N3 million. The group, through one of its subsidiaries, RealVest, specially set up to deliver housing to Nigerians with ease, is powering a home delivery initiative tagged HomeVest.

    The Executive Director and co-founder, Pertinence Group, Wisdom Ezekiel, said his firm, like some others, was not waiting for the government on this hence, it is initiating various programmes aimed at solving the problem.

    According to him, while the firm may not be able to able to solve the entire problem, it is however determined to contribute its quota. One way it is doing this is to provide affordable housing through HomeVest by staggering payment for housing up to seven years.

    “It is like paying for your rent and, after seven years, the house is yours. We even allow that once payment of up to 50 per cent, we allow the person to take possession of the house while he continues with the rest of the payment. We try our best to ensure that the payment and house are very affordable, say from about N50,000 to N150,000 monthly payment depending on the location,” he said.

    Ezekiel assured that through RealVest, the firm would keep driving the process of home ownership to ensure it delivers “real affordable housing” to the people.

    “What we eventually target is how, with N3 million, we can deliver a full house to Nigerians. We have not been able to crack this but we are not relenting and we are sure of achieving this soon,” he assured.

    In similar vein, another Executive Director and also co-founder of the group, Sunday Olorunsheyi, regretted that while the government had dwelled on providing solution to the housing challenge, it had not materialised over the years. This, he noted, is perhaps the reason individuals have had to become their own government.

    He explained that the HomeVest initiative was one of the numerous products the Pertinence Group has put in place to help solve the housing problem.

    “The HomeVest project is one of such solutions we are offering and it has gone a long way in helping Nigerians. We are not essentially in the home delivery business for profit but to provide solution to the teeming Nigerians in need of homes. In providing the solution, we will eventually make the profit,” Olorunsheyi said.

    In aiming to attain the N3 million housing plan, Pertinence Group recently merged all its subsidiaries into one outfit. Ezekiel and Olorunsheyi explained that the merger would ensure that cost is maximised and the end result would be the ability to provide cheaper houses.

    “Pertinence Group decided to align with the vision it had because, from the beginning it was meant to be a group of companies. We started with the investment arm of the business before even the real estate. We are into real estate but now we realise that real estate needs information technology (IT) to run. Also, the investment arm becomes important because in this age and time real estate business require funding. So instead of running to look for funding outside, our micro finance bank within the group can provide the needed finance. It is more like a backward integration system where the group of companies can maximum its advantage to the fullest. In the end, the people benefit more and that makes us happy,” the duo submitted.

     

  • Changing dynamics of co-working space

    Changing dynamics of co-working space

    Investors and users of co-working space are apprehensive about the stress in the emergent sector as a fall-out of Covid-19 pandemic. Analysts say there has been 72 per cent decline in the number of users and 67 per cent drop in new membership enquiries within the first-half of 2020. OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports that operators are worried about its changing story and have devised strategies to confront it.

     

    CO-WORKING space is one of the high growth areas in Nigeria’s real estate market. Its growth was driven largely by the emergence of startups and the migration from costly office spaces.

    When it started in the US in 2005, it was not much to reckon with but today it has grown to about 30,000 co-working spaces globally with an estimated 1.18 million users. Africa’s large millennial population, according to a new report by Northcourt on Nigeria’s real estate market, contributed to the growth of co-working on the continent and recorded more than 600 co-working spaces with Nigeria ranking highest.

    An Abuja realtor, Okechukwu Agu said the COVID-19 pandemic upset the sector with its protocols such as social distancing, face masking and other details to keep safe.

    Agu noted that tenants are unable to use and, consequently, pay for space, advising that investors in this space need to significantly adjust their business model and implement measures to continue business as working from the office (WFO) has switched to work from home (WFH).

    The effect of this is that the use of office space has reduced with some corporate head offices mandating that as much of 90 per cent of their workforce work from home. This will influence future demand.

    “The introduction of hygiene protocols is now mandatory. Co-working has been crippled by social distancing rules adopted to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Lagos, with the largest concentration of co-working spaces in Nigeria of over 60 per cent and a leading part of Nigeria’s co-working sector, is estimated to have lost N300 million in revenue.

    To survive, he said, co-working spaces will need to pivot. More people will want to work from home, mid to long-term. Digital networking events are already taking the place of physical meetings and focus is shifting to providing more support for members over the standard space and physical resources.

    As the world conforms to the new conditions for doing business, analysts see coworking spaces facing challenging seasons ahead. Corporate Nigeria has kicked the execution of remote working strategies into high gear with some head office complexes emptied of some of their staff.

    It is hoped, however, that as large organisations optimise their operations post-COVID, co-working spaces will serve as a welcome alternative. The adoption of remote working post-pandemic is likely to increase, encouraging work from close-to-home co-working spaces where residences are not conducive enough.

    A real estate lawyer in Ikeja area of Lagos, Nkem Ogonsiegbe, advised that co-working space investors would need to attract and keep larger and more-established clients looking to optimise administrative costs, adding that companies need to set up a more distributed workforce to better manage employees working from different locations. He said this can only be patronised if there is strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

    According to him, no employer of labour will want to risk the safety and health of its workers.

    He said: “Operators or investors in the sector may increase their rentals to augment for the loss of revenue from tenants as a result of the observance of the pandemic protocols which require lesser number of people occupying a larger space. They can also attract more clients with competitive infrastructure, discounts etc,” he added.

     

  • Economists advocate unlocking underutilised capital in real estate

    Economists advocate unlocking underutilised capital in real estate

    Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

     

    SOME economists have called for the unlocking and harnessing of dead and underutilised capital in real estate and agricultural land to improve the Nigerian economy.

    Dr Andrew Nevin, Partner, West Africa Financial Services made the call at a webinar organised by the Lagos Chamber of  Commerce & Industry (LCCI).

    The  webinar had as its theme: “Assessment of Government’s Economic Intervention and the Way Forward”.

    Nevin said reports indicated that the nation held at least 300 billion dollars or as much as 900 billion dollars dead capital in residential real estate and agricultural land alone.

    “As a result, there is no better time than now to unlock the potential and harness this capital for wealth creation and economic growth post COVID-19,” he said.

    On the pandemic, he said it had caused the greatest economic disruptions ever experienced with 33 sectors of the Nigerian economy declining and 13 sectors growing.

    According to him, declining oil revenue which led to declining oil taxes, do not go well for the 2020 budget implementation.

    Read Also: LCCI predicts upward inflation nflation figures

    Nevin said that foreign investors were apprehensive as risks to domestic economy were heightened.

    “Developing economies are on the back foot as interventions yield marginal benefits on the back of declining revenue flows,” he said.

    On the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan, Nevin said that the contents were expected to be effective in long term space as they would take years to manifest.

    He, therefore, recommended the restructuring of fiscal plans, especially spending on nonessential projects.

    Nevin also urged aggressive promotion of peace and tranquillity across the country to attract potential capital.

    “Government also needs to carefully manage the risk of debt traps that can result from increasing debts accumulation.

    “They must also put in place framework that ensures transparency and accountability across ministries , departments and agencies,” he said.

    Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the Fiscal Policy Partner and West Africa Tax Leader, listed liquidity safety of personnel and infrastructure to work from home as top three challenges facing businesses during COVID-19.

    Oyedele said the fiscal policy responses by the government resulted in varying responses by the Nigerian businesses.

    He advised that for business sustainability, entrepreneurs were to think long term by engaging good ethics and trust values with employees, customers and regulatory agencies.

    He also appealed to governments to unlock dead capital, optimise assets, reduce corruption and leakage and prioritise expenses to focus on human capital development and critical infrastructure.

    “Government needs to cut waste and leverage digitalisation to build a trail for data to expand tax base’’.

     

  • ARCON to license polytechnic graduates

    ARCON to license polytechnic graduates

     Okwy Iroegbu–Chikezie

     

    FIVE years after the accord between National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) was suspended, the parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for resuscitation of the programme.

    The new deal signed between ARCON Registrar, Umar Murnai and NBTE Executive Secretary, Dr. Masa’ud Kazaure, allows ARCON to license all products of accredited polytechnics in Nigeria, as architectural technologists.

    The agreement recognises the mandate of NBTE as provided in Decree 9 of 1977 and Decree 16 of 1985 as well as those of ARCON provided in decree 10 of 1969 and bow Architects (Registration) Act A19 of 2004.

    The laws are in relation to accreditation and approval of programmes for training technologists, technicians and craftsmen as well as middle level and skilled manpower of the country.

    Read Also: Regulation: Court to hear ARCON’s preliminary objection

    Under the new agreement, visitations to polytechnics, colleges of technology, vocational and innovation enterprise institutions, technical and similar institutions for purposes of accreditation, re-accreditation, resources inspection and advisory visits will be jointly undertaken by representatives of both parties.

    They also agreed that a joint template for accreditation, which encompasses the academic and professional aspects of the training, would be evolved and used for uniformity purposes.

    Similarly, ARCON will receive the report of all accreditation visits conducted on architecture programmes in polytechnics, colleges of technology, vocational and innovation enterprise institutions and technical colleges through its representatives and consider the final outcome.

    The parties further agreed that ARCON appointed representative would be the chairman for accreditation visits to architecture programmes, while the team will be made up of registered architects and architectural technologists, who are financial members.

     

  • ‘Why we are rebuilding Lekki/Epe expressway 40 years after’

    ‘Why we are rebuilding Lekki/Epe expressway 40 years after’

    The Lekki/Epe expressway has been a death trap and a haven for criminals because of its deplorable condition. Constructed 40 years ago and referred to as the new Lagos, it has not lived up to its name. Observers say with the planned reconstruction of the strategic road, the economy of Lagos will receive a boost. OKWY IROEGBU –CHIKEZIE reports that the economy of Lagos will receive the added impetus to be the fastest growing economy in Africa

     

    LEKKI/ Epe highway has been a nightmare to many as a result of its poor condition and traffic snarl which  had led to loss of lives and property. Communities around the axis have decried its neglect over the years and continuously counted their losses. The axis hosts many high profile companies among them: the Lekki deep sea port, Free Trade zone , Alaro City, Dangote Refineries and many others.

    At the unveiling of the project, Governor  Babajide Sanwo–Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to deliver the road in good time.  He regretted the poor condition and neglect of the road for years since its construction and pledge to the successful delivery of the project in no distant time. He said the idea is to support the huge industrial Lagos at that axis from Eleko junction to T junction in Epe and to stimulate he huge economic and industrial growth of the state. He said he is committed to developing the whole state to meet up with the planned smart city and 21st Century Lagos. The road construction, he explained, will be in two phases with three carriage way of  18. 7 kilometer and 26.7 from Abraham Adesanya to Eleko junction with tranverse longitudinal  ducts, weigh bridges and a rail line corridor.

    Earlier,  the  Special Adviser On Works and Infrastructure to the Governor,  Aramide Adeyoye, an engineer  at the flag off of the re-construction and upgrade of Lekki –Ibeju–Epe expressway, said its another effort of the  current  administration at improving the standard of living of Lagosians by investing in infrastructure  that  will support business and ultimately promote economic development.

    She said it is part of the social contract of the Sanwo–Olu administration to  ensure even distribution of major infrastructure among the various divisions in order to achieve socio-economic development and target  the  redistribution of wealth for even development of the state.

    She said: “As we are aware, Lekki- Epe Road is a strategic road with huge traffic bearing capacity. The emergence of the axis as the fastest growing property corridor in the state also led to corresponding increase in human activities, especially, the high volume of human and vehicular traffic including commercial activities.

    Residents and road users along this axis have clamoured for a solution to the suffocating nature of the traffic gridlock along the Lekki-Epe Expressway especially at the Ajah Junction. This project will help resolve the gridlock at Ajah/Ado-Badore Roundabout and environs while ensuring the Lagos bound traffic is effectively channeled.

    No doubt, the Lekki-Epe Expressway is a laudable project which when completed will impact positively on the lives of residents, eliminate traffic gridlocks, reduce drastically the travel time of commuters, businessmen and women and improve the socio-economic activities around the axis”.

    Aramide declared that the state  today is a giant construction site, with so many projects going on simultaneously.  She recalled the re-instatement of existing road infrastructure at the Victoria Island-Lekki Circulation Project conceived in partnership with Access Bank Plc, under the Public Infrastructure Improvement Partnership, PIIP initiative.

    According to her, other roads commissioned on the axis include  Jide Oki Street, Moshood Olugbani, Ade Odedina and several other improved junctions.

    Read Also: Lagos rejects FOI request for Lekki shooting CCTV

    She called on all stakeholders to be wary of vandals by carefully watching and guiding the project.

    Oba Ogunfolarin Ogunsanwo said the road, if eventually delivered, will be of immense benefit to the people. He decried the high level of banditry, kidnapping and maiming on the axis. He said: “Not only are vehicles damaged and people are not able to move freely, it also affects the livelihood of so many people. Transporters that travel to the eastern part of the country and indeed other parts of the country are not finding it easy, local travelers don’t fare better. Losses are recorded daily in terms of human and material losses but with the planned upgrade and reconstruction of the axis, life will return and government herself will also reap from the huge development on the axis”.

    While decrying the neglect of the axis in the last 40 years when the road was constructed, he pleaded with the government to see to the successful delivery of the project to make life meaningful for his people.

    A community leader, Ganui Adegbile,  said the road has become a death trap to the people living on the axis . He said there is hardly a day that deaths are not recorded with articulated vehicles over turning their contents on the road because of the road.  He commended the governor for coming to their rescue and prayed the road will be completed in good time.

    Chief Samba said they have suffered untold losses in terms of their farm produce that is not able to get to the markets and shops that need them. He said his community is an agrarian community and without the benefit of a good road they will continuously suffer losses which will eventually discourage them from going to the farms and feeding the large population of the state and beyond. He prayed the road will not be abandoned for any reason.

     

  • Australia defends climate stance

    Australia defends climate stance

    Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, last week addressed the country’s climate change commitments after being urged by his British counterpart to take “bold action” to reach net zero carbon emissions.

    Downing Street released details of an overnight call in which British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasised to Morrison “the importance of setting ambitious targets to cut emissions and reach Net Zero.”

    Johnson also noted that “the UK’s experience demonstrates that driving economic growth and reducing emissions can go hand-in-hand,” the statement said.

    Morrison initially brushed off the comments when questioned by reporters on Wednesday, saying “the key focus of our discussion last night was actually on the UK free trade agreement.”

    Read Also: ‘Climate change effects more dangerous than COVID-19’

     

    But he quickly went on to defend his climate stance, saying that the country’s policies “won’t be set in the United Kingdom, they won’t be set in Brussels, they won’t be set in any part of the world other than here.”

    “One thing the British prime minister and I agree on is that achieving emissions reductions shouldn’t come at the cost of jobs in Australia or the UK.”

    Britain has a policy of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this week Japan – one of Australia’s main trading partners – also announced its 2050 commitment.

    The Australian government has promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 26 and 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, but it is yet to set a long-term target.

    Morrison has been pushing his plan for a “gas-led recovery,” out of the COVID-19 recession, which includes major projects that environmental experts have labelled a “climate disaster.”