Badagry road expansion: Task Force demolishes buildings at Orile-Igamu
Headlines Jul 27, 2009 By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — THE Lagos State Government Joint Special Task Force yesterday, pulled down several structures along Orile Igamu-Badagry Expressway as part of the ongoing demolition exercise to pave the way for the reconstruction the Lagos Badagry Expressway metro line project into 10 lanes.



ROAD EXPANSION: Demolition of buildings along Orile-Mile 2-Badagry expressway, yesterday. Photo: Diran Oshe.
The exercise which started last Saturday saw many traders whose shops were affected hurriedly packing their wares amidst tight security.

As early as 8 a.m, men of the Joint Special Task Force stormed the area and after allowing the traders to pack their wares out of the shops, moved in the bulldozer to pull down the structures which also affected the popular Eleganza Ultra Modern complex.

One of the officials who spoke to Vanguard on anonymity said the traders were duly served abatement notice but would not budge.

According to him, the demolition was to allow for construction proper of the Lagos Badagry Expressway into 10 lanes.
Those traders whose structures were affected and having genuine title document have been identified and will be adequately compensated by the state government.

One of the affected traders, Mr Ake James, who spoke with Vanguard said they received the letter on short notice.


Demolished Eleganza building at Orile
They accused Lagos State government of not providing alternative markets to them before embarking on the demolition exercise.

The multi billion naira project being awarded to three contractors is expected to be carried out in phases.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/07/27/badagry-road-expansion-task-force-demolishes-buildings-at-orile-igamu/