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Tag: Pen Cinema Bridge

  • Ambode directs public works to fix Lagos roads in four weeks

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has directed the state Public Works Corporation to fix potholes on major and inner roads across the state within the next four weeks.

    Works and Infrastructure Commissioner Ade Akinsanya said on Friday that the repairs would bring relief and succor to the generality of Lagos residents.

    Many roads across the state are currently littered with potholes caused by the heavy rains of the last few weeks.

    Akinsanya, on an inspection visit to the ongoing Pen Cinema bridge at Agege in Lagos metropolis said the recent torrential rainfall forced a suspension of repair works on many roads in the state.

    The commissioner, however, said that with the rains subsiding, there was need to intensify efforts in completing ongoing repair works and making roads better across the state.

    “The operation fix the pothole will last for about three to four weeks,” he said.

    Reviewing ongoing projects in the state, he said that the state government remains committed to the completion of the over 70 projects across the state.

    He said that the Pen Cinema bridge would be completed by the first quarter next year  while the Oshodi/International Airport Road will  be delivered by December this year.

    Read Also: Buhari, Ambode meet in Abuja

    He said:  “Most of the difficult parts of the work are already ongoing. Overall, we are at about 60 per cent completion stage and right now, we have over 70 major projects ongoing but as can be seen, work is ongoing.

    “Unfortunately, it is difficult to fight nature and rain has not helped and what we are seeing is the result of the heavy downpour for the last few weeks but the work is ongoing and with the cooperation from the contractors, whatever time we have lost, things will be accelerated.

    “We have a good working relationship with Hi-Tech; they are committed to the project and I can assure the people that by first quarter of next year, this project will be commissioned by God’s grace.”

    Akinsanya, therefore, appealed to residents and motorists to cooperate by following traffic diversions put in place to ensure the early and smooth completion of the repair works.

    The commissioner thanked residents for their patience and sued for continued cooperation as the projects progress.

    “Whatever time we have lost on these projects as a result of the rain, pace will be accelerated,” he said.

    The commissioner and his team also inspected ongoing Oshodi/International Airport Road project.

  • Houses, pharmacy go for Pen Cinema Bridge

    Houses, pharmacy go for Pen Cinema Bridge

    TO pave the way for construction of the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, the Lagos State government yesterday embarked on the construction of houses on its  path.

    The demolition started on Oba Ogunji Road,  the bridge’s take off point. But the area mostly hit was around Pen Cinema. Many buildings, including those housing banks,   a popular pharmacy, mobile phone shops and other business premises were pulled down.

    The affected premises were marked in August. A stakeholders’ forum was held for all Agege residents in September to ensure their buy-in into the project.

    About eight groups working on both sides of the road carried out the exercise. They were assisted by policemen.

    Scavengers and hoodlums flocked the scene, rummaging through the rubble of the demolished houses. The development caused a traffic gridlock around Pen Cinema.

    Many were seen removing zinc roofing materials, doors,  frames, beddings and other items from the debris.

    Some Hitech Construction Ltd workers were seen   directing the exercise.

    Several of the buildings, especially the business premises, were almost empty at the time of the demolition.

    Those affected  were seen trying to salvage their properties  before the bulldozers moved in.

    No one was willing to speak with reporters as they were busy packing their properties.

    A government official, who pleaded not to be named, said the contractor undertook the exercise. He said the government had no hand in the demolition.

    The government said in September that the bridge would be ready in December 2018.

    Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development Adebowale Akinsanya said the government  had created alternative routes to ensure  seamless traffic flow during the bridge’s construction

  • Stakeholders praise Ambode, others over Pen Cinema Bridge

    Stakeholders praise Ambode, others over Pen Cinema Bridge

    Stakeholders in Lagos have commended the efforts of the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Speaker, state House of Assembly Hon Mudashiru Obasa; and member, representing Agege Constituency 2 in the state House  of Assembly, Hon Oluyinka Ogundimu, for  their efforts at ensuring the ongoing construction of the Pen Cinema Bridge becomes reality.

    This was the consensus of people at the constituency stakeholders’ meeting  organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly in Agege.

    Agege Local Government Chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi, expressed delight of Agege residents over the construction of the bridge, saying it would not only ease traffic gridlock in the area but will also improve economic activities.

    He said the bridge, is being constructed following a motion passed by Obasa and moved by Ogundimu. “Both of them are good representatives of Agege.”

    Chairman, Orile Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Johnson Babatunde, added that the construction of the Bridge is a confirmation of their worthy representation.

    “Governor Ambode has done well for us in Agege for commencing the construction of the bridge,” he said.

  • Pen Cinema Bridge ready in Dec. 2018

    The Lagos State Government has promised to  deliver the Agege Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge by December 2018.

    It pleads with  residents and motorists to exercise patience all through the period of construction which is about commencing.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with resident of Agege and environs on the construction of precast/pre-stressed concrete dual carriage flyover and ramp at Pen Cinema Junction on Friday,Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the flyover, when completed, would similar  to  the Ajah and Abule-Egba Bridges commissioned in May.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr Adebowale Akinsanya, said the essence of the stakeholders’ meeting was to engage the relevant stakeholders on the need to construct a flyover bridge across the intersections of Iju Road and Old Abeokuta Road with Oba Ogunji/Agunbiade Street respectively which could not be over-emphasized in view of its strategic link to several communities.

    “In ensuring that this project measures up to world class standard, the reconstruction has been given to a tested and proven contractor – Hitech Construction Nig. Ltd., the construction company that is prepared to work round the clock in two shifts to ensure the timely completion of the project.

    “In order to minimise the inconvenience to road users that ply this route during the construction stage of the flyover, alternative routes for traffic diversion were identified after a thorough reconnaissance survey with a view to serve as by-pass from the construction zone as well as ensure seamless flow of traffic while the construction activities are ongoing within this corridor.

    “The diversion will no doubt assist Iju, Oba Ogunji Roads and beyond bound motorists without going through traffic rigours. The need to collectively solve the perennial traffic gridlock at Pen-Cinema and its environs is a task that must be done by all,” he said.

    Ambode explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was in line with the inclusive governance mantra of his administration to run an open, robust and inclusive government where citizens would not only have a voice but also determine the direction and scope of developmental projects in the State.

    Also speaking, the  Permanent Secretary, Works and Infrastructure, Jimi Hotonu said the  length of bridge with ramp is 1,430m, while the service lane is 2,256m, adding that the construction would also include a pedestrian bridge across the railway track, among others.

    The permanent secretary said the project would reduce traffic grid lock and travel time; reduce vehicle maintenance and transportation cost, enhance safety of the road users, improve socio-economic activities of the area, enhance the standard of living of the citizens and provide 24 hours investment friendly environment, with availability of LED street lights.

    Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare said the bridge will take the stress of gridlock away from Agege.

    Adejare who observed that the Pen Cinema area was notorious for its gridlock, added that “the bridge will take the stress away from us.”

    He noted that the presence of the bridge would scale up properties in the area.