Waste management, safety and private sector partnerships are three key areas through which Lagos State hopes to achieve a more rigorous development of the Lagos Island Central Business District (CBD), Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum organised by the CBD, the governor said his administration is determined to continue to push the frontiers of development that would have positive impact and make the business environment more conducive.
Ambode, represented by the Secretary to the Government (SSG), Mr Olatunji Bello, said as the heartbeat of the nation’s economy, the CBD which provides home to all major financial and non-financial organisations, conglomerates and multinational corporations, will continue to receive government’s attention.
He said: “We are determined to make the business climate in the state as conducive as possible. We are implementing reforms that would deliver for the benefit of Lagosians an effective intermodal transportation system through public private partnership. We are making good progress on the blue line rail which when completed will ease movement into the Lagos Island Business District from Okokomaiko and Mile 2 axis.”
The Commissioner for the Environment Mr Samuel Adejare disclosed that the enormous wastes generated by the 33 markets in the CBD have necessitated the ministry and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to continue to provide backup to the CBD in ensuring a cleaner environment.
He said 10 trucks were deployed daily between 11pm and 4am to ensure the cleaner CBD.
Three keynote speakers, who addressed the forum, listed the enormous opportunities awaiting private investors who may want to partner with the state in accelerating development and smart city initiative of the government.