When Governor Ambode took over the mantle of leadership in Lagos State, he promised to give the city a new look through rigorous interventions in areas that would give it the megacity status. One of the areas he hoped to achieve this is illumination of Lagos which will give it an aesthetic appeal, especially at night. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO reports that Ambode has embarked on aggressive street lighting to accomplish this purpose.
The world over, street lighting is always part of strategic plans for socio-economic development, especially in major cities. It is also a means of tackling crimes and criminal activities. Roads are designed with street lights because of their aesthetic values, their contributions to socio-economic life of the people and perhaps, their security importance.
Before now, some streets and highways in Lagos were bereft of street lights and even where the poles were erected, the light never comes on due to the activities of vandals and the erratic power supply in the country.
But the situation is being addressed gradually, following the decision of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode to improve the state security and restore the usually booming night life in the metropolis.
With the initiative tagged “Light up Lagos” project, the government is taking steps to ensure that every nook and cranny of the state is well lit.
So far, work has commenced on major high ways. Some major areas such as Victoria Island, Lagos Island through Berger and some other streets across the metropolis now wear new look at night.
Governor Ambode, who addressed residents at the second quarterly Town Hall Meeting on this development, assured that no part of the state will be left out in the government’s plan to create better economy for residents.
He said to make the project a reality, the government set up an advisory committee chaired by the Deputy Governor. This, he said, was to ensure that the government delivers on its promise.
“In the past few months, we have fixed street lights from Berger in Ojodu to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island and Ikoyi. We are taking this project to every part of the state.
“As we light up the state, we expect crime to reduce as criminals will have nowhere to hide and operate, ” he said.
But he was quick to add that government alone cannot achieve the objective, hence, the need for support from individuals and corporate organisations.
“I call on individuals and corporate bodies to join our “Light up Lagos” project by adopting a street and lighting it up either by connecting it to your metre or your generator. In return, these individuals and institutions will receive special concessions on Land Use Charge and commendation from the state and local governments,” Governor Ambode assured.
He further explained that the government also provided 49 transformers to communities that had been in darkness for years and restored electricity to 63 communities.
“We also inaugurated the 33KVA Electrical Sub-Station in Gberigbe community, Ikorodu. This is expected to improve the electricity situation in that axis,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo said arrangement has been concluded for Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses to operate at night once the light up Lagos is completed.
“This is one of the campaign promises made to the people by the Governor and just like he has fulfilled others, this project will not be an exception.
“Recall that the Governor also promised to make Lagos city a 24-hour economy. This exactly is the change that the people voted for.
“We are assuring Lagosians that the process of lighting up every corner of the state has begun in earnest and we are not going to stop until we achieve our aim,” Oluwo said.
Shedding more light on the project, Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofeek Fashola, said efforts were in top gear to illuminate major roads in the state, including all adjourning boundaries in Ogun State as well as federal and state roads.
He said work would be delivered in phases, starting with Ikorodu to the Lagos Island, Ojodu Berger to Lagos Island and in addition, about 67 communities in Ibeju Lekki, which have been in darkness for about five years, will be connected to the National Grid.
He said: “Berger to Lagos, Ikorodu to Lagos street light installation is ongoing. We have entered into an agreement to ensure safe and reliable power supply to residents of Lagos. We are working with contractors that are well experienced so that they will deliver quality jobs,” Williams said.
He said that in line with the Governor‘s directive, most parts of the metropolis would be lit up by December.
Commenting on the development, some residents described the initiative as worthwhile.
A resident, Mr. Stephen Johnson said: “If one moves from Berger to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and so on, one notices that more street lights have been installed.”
He said this boosts the confidence of residents in the sincerity of the Ambode administration, even as he pleaded that such initiative should be sustained.
The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos State chapter has commended Ambode for measures so far taken to light up the roads and improve security.
The Chairman of RTEAN, Mr Musa Muhammed said the ongoing ‘Light up Lagos’ programme of the governor would assist in curbing crimes in the state.
Muhammed further stated that security on roads would not only enhance motorists’ safety, but also those of commuters and pedestrians at night.
