₦airaland Forum

johnie:
Some work has begun on a road opposite Okoya's Olorunishola Estate. I am not sure if it is meant to be the alternative access route around the second toll plaza just after the fourth (Chevron) roundabout.

From what I can see now, not much has been done yet but I hope Fashola's standard will be upheld. I.e. Street lights, good drainage, pedestrian walkways and service ducts.

I also hope the road will be ready for use before serious work on the second toll plaza commences so as to ease likely traffic congestion at the construction site.

I think the entry to the access road should be the new road (leading to Alpha beach) and then bursting out opposite Okoya's estate just like the access route at Oniru which opens at the Four Season's hotel (under construction) and bursts out at Amazon Oil Junction.

Could this road be the one Akintola and Ebedi refered to last year?:

Akintola o:
Yeah you're right! Ocean Bay estate is a very nice one! Was there just few days ago. Another would be classy and lovely estate, Buena Vista is springing up beside it.

Ebedi good news for you though; the link road frm the express would soon be awarded by early next year and by then Ocean Bay would be barely 2 mins from Chev. Pls don't ask how I got to know! Some of us are moving in to BV by June/July by God's grace provided no major game changer occurs!!

Ebedi:
Thanks Akintola.

Please note that this is my personal house. The road you are talking about is only good for 4x4. You can turn right before the 4th roundabout to link Alpha Beach Road. Then turn left on Alpha Beach Road.

Akintola o:
Ocean bay estate is NOT B4 chevron roundabout. It is after chevron r/abt. There's access to the estate by earth road opposite eleganza or you can go thru alpha beach earth road.

No bad blood oooo, Just putting records straight for nairalanderd benefit.

johnie:
Even after the completion and opening of the bigger and wider Lekki Phase 1 roundabout, the traffic bottleneck at that point has not been eliminated.

That's probably because quite a number of the people going beyond second roundabout enter Phase 1 through the first round about and come out at second round about (to beat the traffic between the Amazon Oil junction and second round about) thereby "artificially" increasing the number of cars going into phase 1 at the first round about and consequently congesting the roundabout. These cars also create another gridlock when coming out at the second roundabout.

What this clearly points to is the fact that good alternative access routes should have been provided either before or as the work on the express road progresses.

Some work has begun on a road opposite Okoya's Olorunishola Estate. I am not sure if it is meant to be the alternative access route around the second toll plaza just after the fourth (Chevron) roundabout.

From what I can see now, not much has been done yet but I hope Fashola's standard will be upheld. I.e. Street lights, good drainage, pedestrian walkways and service ducts.

I also hope the road will be ready for use before serious work on the second toll plaza commences so as to ease likely traffic congestion at the construction site.

I think the entry to the access road should be the new road (leading to Alpha beach) and then bursting out opposite Okoya's estate just like the access route at Oniru which opens at the Four Season's hotel (under construction) and bursts out at Amazon Oil Junction.

Tinubu backs Fashola for 2nd term

…says he is a performing governor

By Olasunkanmi Akoni
IMMEDIATE past Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has joined other prominent Lagos indigenes to lent his support for the continuation of his predecessor, Governor Babatunde Fashola, in office, saying he has performed creditably well, contrary to the widespread rumours making the round that the former governor does not want Governor Fashola to run for a second term.

This came just as Governor Fashola stressed the need for the preservation of traditional institution, culture and values in the interest of the future generations.

Tinubu made the remarks yesterday at the official handing over of Oba’s palace, “Iga Idunganran”, Lagos Island as part of events to commemorate the 7th coronation anniversary of Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I.

Among the dignitaries at the event were former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson; the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; Oba Olateru Olagbegi, Olowo of Owo; Oba Ojora of Lagos; Alara of Ilara; former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola; Alhaji Femi Okunnu; Senator Ganiyu Solomon and representative of Alake of Egba land, Alhaji Lateef Adegbite.

Tinubu made the declaration which elicited applause from the dignitaries and other guests at the occasion.

Commending Fashola for achieving the dream of building a befitting and modern palace for the Oba of Lagos, Tinubu described the incumbent governor as an achiever and a performing governor that deserved everyone’s support and cooperation in taking Lagos to higher heights.

The immediate past governor noted that the realisation of the new Oba’s palace was an evidence of Fashola’s dedication to duties and beliefe in shared vision of the past governors who had in one way or the other contributed to the upliftment of the palace into a modern building,

He said when the current democracy started in 1999, Lagos was in total bankruptcy but due to endurance of all, “Lagos has become what it is today and it will only get better with the type of Fashola in administartion.”

Okunnu, Oba Adetona, Olagbegi all spoke glowingly of Fashola’s administration and for making the building a reality in their own life time.

Fashola acknowledges Tinubu’s efforts


The governor in his brief comments, acknowledged the efforts and support of his predecessor Tinubu, who he said initiated the move to build the new palace.

“What we are here to commemorate is the dream that has been for long as successive military administrators and governors have contributed in no small means to the palace renewal with Tinubu administration being most impactful. Also, it was not just a government project but a project pursued with passion by Oba Akiolu.”

While stressing that everyone has a role to play in preserving their heritage, Fashola disclosed plans by his administration to bring in experts to work out ways of fully preserving the history of Lagos State.

“We will continue to ensure the renewal of Oba’s and chiefs’ palaces in the state. Already, some palaces are at different stages of completion. I feel humbled and delighted to have contributed in one way or the other to the preservation of our traditional institution,” Fashola said.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/24/tinubu-backs-fashola-for-2nd-term/

Nigeria: The Risk of Skewed Business Objective - Lekki Road Expansion Project Example

Okechukwu Onwuka

10 April 2010

analysis

What happens when your business objective is not clear or well defined? What if the real objective is different from the goal you communicate to the outside world or customers? Who ultimately gets fooled; the business owner or the customers? Real objectives, in practice, have a way of being revealed, irrespective of how well you try to cover them.

About 7 years ago, the Lekki axis was considered a prime area of Lagos to live. Not necessarily because of availability of state of the art infrastructure but primarily due to the proximity to the new commercial centres, Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

The area boys' menace in Lagos Island (Marina, Broad Street and surroundings) led to the mass relocation of companies to Victoria Island. Lekki Phase 1 thus became the choice residential area. Relocating to the Lekki axis guaranteed a maximum of 10 minutes drive to the office. The desire to earn more sleeping hours, spend less time in traffic, climb the social ladder as the new Lagos big boy inevitably led to massive growth in Lekki's population density. Property price appreciation on the axis reached unbelievable levels just before the economic crisis. This increase in population ultimately led to terrible traffic congestions on the only road linking Victoria Island with all the Lekki communities down to Epe. With the proposed building of an Airport together with the Lekki Free Trade zone projects, the traffic nightmare is not about to end in a hurry. A regular 12 minutes drive from VGC or Ajah to Victoria Island now takes at least 2 hours.

The driver for the relocation to Lekki is gone as more and more people are relocating to the Lagos Mainland. It is only natural that all Lekki residents welcome the Lekki Road expansion project. At least, the lost glory has a chance to return. Unfortunately, as the project execution progressed, hope is gradually turning to despair as we are noticing obvious flaws in the project concept, design and construction.

When you observe the execution process and milestones, you can't help wondering what the real project objectives are. On the surface, the goal appears to be to eliminate or minimize traffic bottlenecks on the road and thus ease the suffering of the people. What is seen however, is the prioritized completion of the toll collection points and accelerated work towards the first of 4 major roundabouts at Lekki phase 1 entrance.

Even after the completion and opening of the bigger and wider Lekki Phase 1 roundabout, the traffic bottleneck at that point has not been eliminated. Add that to the severe traffic jams that continue at Jakande, Chevron and 2nd roundabouts, you begin to wonder how residents will be happy to pay any toll fees under this condition. Traditionally, road users are very willing to pay toll fees when the highway is truly a highway with minimal traffic bottlenecks. Otherwise, inner city routes will do just fine.

Real Objectives: So what really are the main objectives for the project: create wealth on a false premise or create wealth through value-addition to societal needs via problem solving? If the objective is to truly resolve the traffic issues and create a revenue stream as a result, there is nothing really wrong with that.

This is more so if the project is financed through credit or loans. If this is the case, then the project executives would ideally prioritize concept definition and analysis to develop a pragmatic approach that ensures that the problem statement is adequately addressed. Preliminary steps will include identifying all major traffic bottlenecks, root causes and then derive strategies to eliminate or manage them.

The strategy development will consider among other things issues such as; traffic density, alternative routes, traffic intersections, road width, rush hours, traffic disruption during construction, narrowest point on highway etc. These steps must be taken before finalizing any contracts, detailed design and/or construction.

If these activities were carried out, it would be practically impossible to miss identifying the need for overhead bridges across all the existing roundabouts as the first deliverable on the project. The most basic of highway design and operating principles recognize that the only way to debottleneck a junction or road intersections is to erect an overhead bridge.

There are too many examples to buttress this point. In Lagos, overhead bridges have been erected at Ahmadu Bello Way (by Bonny Camp), Western Avenue (Alaka/Stadium, Ojuelegba roundabout, Jibowu), Apapa-Oshodi expressway and other parts of Lagos.

In terms of efficiency and effectiveness, these short overhead bridges are far superior to any road width expansion. Afterall, any road is as good as the narrowest point or station. It is also a fact that road width expansion is no substitute for separating intersecting roads. For the Lekki-Epe road expansion project, completing the bridges first ahead of the road expansion would have created instant positive effects for all to see.

First bridge at Lekki Phase 1 roundabout, the second one at the 3rd Roundabout, the others will follow. With improved traffic flow, road users will readily accept to pay the toll fees well before the road expansion is completed. We all know that "customers" will gladly pay for goods or services that satisfy their core needs. Unfortunately, the toll gate is almost ready for operation but the problem remains. Maybe the project's objectives are not very clear.

It is still possible that the project's goal was great from the onset but a poor appreciation of internationally recognized project management practices led to the blunder. It is not really common to see Nigerians who really appreciate the value of deep, detailed, structured and multi-layered analysis. Few appreciate the value of specialists and consultants.

Most times we want to just start, execute and then tackle the problems are they arise. It's a shame really that a project of this size and magnitude, in this day and time can be so poorly conceived and designed.

The good news is that there is still room for correction. Of course, massive change orders may be involved but that's a small price to pay when compared to the associated benefits.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201004130149.html

johnie:
This road currently under construction leads to the Kings Court Residential Scheme.   There are some private estates along the road including CMB's Pearl Nuga Estate, HFP's (creators of VGC) Fountain Springville Estate and  Legacy's Heritage Place. There is also a private school along the road.

I think other road construction efforts should at least meet this basic standard: good drainage, street lights and pedestrian walkways.

johnie:
Fashola Commissions 11 Projects In Badagry, Ojo

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Thursday commissioned a total of 11 projects in Badagry and Ojo Local Government areas with a call on the communities to keep the peace in order to enhance development.

Speaking earlier at the handing over of the Joseph Dosu Road, Cemetery Road and Market Street, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson said in line with the standards set by Governor Fashola, the three roads have been rehabilitated and upgraded with walkways, street lights, drainage facilities and service ducts.

Source:http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/05/21/fashola-commissions-11-projects-in-badagry-ojo/

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-427403.32.html#msg6078554

Great minds think alike

johnie:
Speaking earlier at the handing over of the Joseph Dosu Road, Cemetery Road and Market Street, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson said in line with the standards set by Governor Fashola, the three roads have been rehabilitated and upgraded with walkways, street lights, drainage facilities and service ducts.

Source:http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/05/21/fashola-commissions-11-projects-in-badagry-ojo/

I can testify to that (great minds think alike ):

johnie:
This road currently under construction leads to the Kings Court Residential Scheme. There are some private estates along the road including CMB's Pearl Nuga Estate, HFP's (creators of VGC) Fountain Springville Estate and Legacy's Heritage Place. There is also a private school along the road.

I think other road construction efforts should at least meet this basic standard: good drainage, street lights and pedestrian walkways.

See a similar road construction going on at Lekki axis at:

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-367311.192.html#msg6050700

Fashola Commissions 11 Projects In Badagry, Ojo

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Thursday commissioned a total of 11 projects in Badagry and Ojo Local Government areas with a call on the communities to keep the peace in order to enhance development.

In Badagry Local Government, the Governor handed over three major roads –Joseph Dosu Street, Old Cemetery Road and Market Street – and a Drivers’ Institute in Badagry town, , a Micro Water Scheme in Apa, a Water Jetty in Igbo-Igele, a community hall in Ajara Agelaso while in Ojo Local Government Area, the Governor Fashola also handed over a network of three roads – Shibiri Etegbin Road, Imude Road and Ajangbadi-Ilogbo Road and a Mini Water Works in Ajangbadi town.

Speaking in Apa Community where he commissioned a Micro Water Scheme, Governor Fashola, who reminded the people that it was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to them, pointed out that the water scheme was one of the priority projects demanded by the people during the need assessment tour of the area.

Governor Fashola said in embarking on such projects, the State Government is conscious of the need to bring development to the rural communities in order to stem the tide of rural urban migration which, according to him, has created problems both locally and internationally.

According to him, “Rural urban migration has created slums in many cities not only in Nigeria but other countries of the world”. It has added to the congestion problem in the urban areas and we know that it is not all of you that want to leave the rural areas if you have what you want here”.

“If you have Education, if you have Healthcare, if you have water supply, if you have electricity, many of you want to live very simple lives with your families, with your children and this is what we have set out to do, to provide what you want, to provide Education, to provide primary healthcare centres, to provide integrated facilities that will help those who want to do business, the farmers, the food processors, the fishermen”, the Governor said.

Handing over the project, Governor Fashola declared, “Make no mistake about it; this is not our solution to water supply in this area. This is a short term measure, to alleviate poverty, to stem water borne diseases, to give these little children the same chance that I had to live long to be somebody great”.
[b]
Highlighting the Tourism potentials of Badagry while handing over other projects in other areas, the Governor said, “The prospects that this part of our State- Badagry- holds for the future of our State, for the future of our country, are enormous. I have said often times that not only do Badagry hold many opportunities; it holds the key for releasing the Tourism economy of Lagos”. Adding, Tourism is about destination because if you can’t get there then there is no Tourism”.

“The tourism potentials of Badagry like the Zangbeto masquerades, the various historical points and places like the slaves relics can compete favourably with what is obtainable elsewhere”, he said, adding that it is the same set of tourist attractions that people pay hard currency to travel overseas to watch as tourist sites.

The Governor reiterated that this is one of the reasons that informed the decision of the State Government to embark on the expansion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway so as to make it easy to come in easily and go out without pains.[/b]

He expressed the commitment of the present administration to reach and meet the need of Lagosians and urged them to exercise patience, stressing that all parts of the State would feel the impact of the administration in one way or the other.

Calling on the people of Badagry to embrace peace at all times, Governor Fashola declared, “It is only in a peaceful atmosphere that development can thrive. There are several mechanism that could be made use of to resolve conflicts and you can embrace these mechanisms to ensure peace among you.”

At the Ajangbadi Water Works, Governor Fashola said the Water Works represents the sixth Waterworks to be commissioned by the State since the beginning of the year, adding a total stock of 12million gallons till date.

He revealed that a total of 15 Water Works are being planned for the State as one half of the measures to improve water supply in the State.

“The other half is the improvement which has come into place at the Iju and Adiyan Water Works which is now producing almost 100 million gallons a day compared to the 35million it was producing before due to the provision of an Independent Power Project.”

Governor Fashola reiterated that during the electioneering campaigns the people only asked for the upgrading of the Joseph Dosu and Market roads but that the State Government found it necessary to include Cemetery Road because of its belief that the road holds a key to the prosperity of the area because of its strategic importance to commerce and industry.

“Our State is growing in leaps and bounds. We are always thinking ahead. For all those who seek to come and live in our State, they are always welcome” Governor Fashola said.

Speaking earlier at the handing over of the Joseph Dosu Road, Cemetery Road and Market Street, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson said in line with the standards set by Governor Fashola, the three roads have been rehabilitated and upgraded with walkways, street lights, drainage facilities and service ducts.

He added that the ancient town of Badagry is beginning to receive a facelift as quite a number of other works are still going on around the town while a few more are still in the pipeline and would commence very soon.

Also speaking at the handing over of Shibiri-Etegbin, Imude and Ajangbadi-Ilogbo roads in Ojo Local Government, the Special Adviser implored residents, road users, the corporate community and the CDAs to assume ownership of the roads and ensure that all forms of abuse, including cutting across or along the road are prevented as provisions have been made for service ducts to accommodate underground services.

The Governor who carried on with the commissions and handover of projects, which witnessed huge turn out of appreciative residents, in spite of rain showers at some of the venues was accompanied on the trips by members of the State Executive Council, members of the National Assembly representing Lagos, some members of the State House of Assembly, elected Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas Chairmen, leaders of the Action Congress and very enthusiastic members of the different host communities who trooped out in their thousands to witness the events.

Source:http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/05/21/fashola-commissions-11-projects-in-badagry-ojo/

Thanks X-2-X for your compliments and support.

[quote author=X-2-X link=topic=367311.msg6073353#msg6073353 date=1274466796]Any idea when plots in the schemes will be available to the public?[/quote]

johnie:
Though the new schemes have already been earmarked for different parts of the Lekki Peninsula, official information from NTDA, shows that they are yet to be available for the public to buy into. The explanation given for this is that, NTDA wants infrastructure to be put in the schemes before they start allocating plots to the public. “We want to forestall the cases were Allottees refuse to develop their plots for a long time and distort the plans of the state government with excuses that they cannot move into their sites because of lack of infrastructure like road, electricity, drainage etc. They however said some of the schemes will be available to the public before the end of the year.

Despite being planned as high-end and middle-end estates, officials of NTDA explained that their prices will be affordable with due consideration given to current price trend in the axis.

Source: http://www.castlesweekly.com/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=915

Lekki Free Trade Zone Promo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwmJ4I-INuE&feature=related

Lekki Free Trade Zone Challenges (Audio not very good)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8dRpFKMBig&feature=related

BBC Report on te Lekki Free Trade Zone:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk1bG57flNw&feature=related

Video of work on the express road taken sometime in March 2009 on okada. quality not very good though



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s3jHRtVM3Y

Lagos orders Aboru, Agiliti, Ajegunle residents to relocate

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo
THE Lagos State government has ordered residents in Aboru in old Agbado-Oke Odo Local Council Development Area; Agiliti in Ikosi-Isheri, LCDA, Ajegunle in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA to vacate and relocate because of the danger posed by flood.

Meanwhile, the state government has prosecuted 2,831 residents who violated environmental offences in the last one year.

Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire, who announced this yesterday, at the ongoing ministerial briefing in Alausa to commemorate the third year of Governor Babatunde Fashola, said the vacation order became necessary in view of the expected rainfall this year which could cause great threat to many communities.

The commissioner said warning notices had been sent to “all the affected areas in the state considered to be flood-prone because they are sitting on wetland. To avert any likely disaster, it is highly imperative for these residents to vacate and relocate to safer areas because of the level of rainfall expected this year with its attendant flooding.

“We have warned them that there is no magic to be done to address the situation for them other than vacating the areas. There are other areas which we cannot mention now which have been served quit notices. It behooves on them to heed or face the consequences.”

The commissioner said all the landlords in the areas did not have valid title document to the land and that there was no possibility of any government compensation for the affected people.

He said the government did “not issue Certificates of Occupancy (Cof O) to landlords in slums area like Ajegunle, Ajiliti (Ikosi-Isheri), Ajelogo (Ketu) and Aboru in Iyana-Ipaja.”


Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/20/lagos-orders-aboru-agiliti-ajegunle-residents-to-relocate/

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has been urged to seek re-election in the forthcoming 2011 general elections in order to accomplish the massive infrastructural renewal programme of his administration.

A member of the state executive council and special adviser to the governor on political and legislative matters, Abdulateef Abdulrakeem, made the call during the recent executive/legislative parley of the state government which also attracted chairmen of 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) of the state.

Abdulrakeem’s call marked the first public declaration of support to Fashola to run for second term in office by any member of his about 43-member cabinet.
There have been doubts as to whether the governor would seek to be re-elected in the 2011 governorship polls lately especially in the light of recent developments where his political mentor and immediate predecessor, Bola Tinubu, is alleged in some quarters to be nursing the idea of throwing up another candidate.

Tinubu wields overwhelming influence in Lagos politics especially in Action Congress (AC) which is the ruling party in the state.

Attempts at probing the governor by the state House of Assembly over allegations of financial recklessness by a group –True Face of Lagos- had in the last four months been hampered by court injunctions which twice prevented investigative panels set up by the House from continuing investigations into the allegations.

Since May 29, 2007 when he was sworn in, Governor Fashola has kept sealed lips on whether he would seek the votes of Lagosians the second time to remain in office beyond 2011. But many believe that he has worked hard enough to secure the confidence of Lagos electorate should he decide to run again.

But for the first time in the last three years, a member of Fashola’s cabinet has publicly invited him to present himself for re-election in 2011 because of “legacy of good governance and the infrastructural development programme which have attracted commendation beyond Nigeria.”

In advising Fashola to declare interest in 2011, Abdulrakeem observed that the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who is believed by some people to be against Fashola “is not at war with the governor,” stressing that Lagosians would be happy to have Fashola continue the good works.

Speaking later, Ikuforiji said he had no personal issue with Fashola whom he described as “my brother”. He noted that whatever friction that may have been noticed between the legislative and executive arms had been in line with the constitution which empowers both arms act as “checks and balances” to each other.

Source: http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11178:fashola-urged-to-seek-re-election-in-2011-&catid=85:national&Itemid=340

aasog:
Most of the pictures taken from an iphone doesnt fit in here. Anyone in the house who can educate me on how to reduce pictures size?[b][/b]

To reduce the size of your pictures,

1. Send them as an attachement using a yahoo mail account.
2. Go to your sent items box and download the same pictures (you would discover that Yahoo has reduced the size considerably mut maintained the picture quality)

I discovered this by accident but it works very well!

The ramp to connect Ozumba Mbadiwe to the Falomo bridge is being constructed here. When completed traffic from lekki and some parts of V/I going to Ikoyi wouldn't have to turn under the bridge thereby eliminating the perennial (though traffic light controlled) traffic at the junction.

Pic Source:

pedestrian walk ways

Drainage

Street light installation

johnie:
Kings Court Residential Scheme is situated in the Sangotedo about ten minutes drive from VGC. The total land area of this scheme is 70.19 hectares as follows: Sports area 5.34hectares, Housing 28.84hectares, Services 12.71hectares, Site and Services area 20.30hectares It has been designed in 5 Phases with only Phase 1 presently being developed. Phases 2 to 5 are awaiting investors tapping.

This road currently under construction leads to the Kings Court Residential Scheme.   There are some private estates along the road including CMB's Pearl Nuga Estate, HFP's (creators of VGC) Fountain Springville Estate and  Legacy's Heritage Place. There is also a private school along the road.

I think other road construction efforts should at least meet this basic standard: good drainage, street lights and pedestrian walkways.

As part of the plan of the Lagos State Government to decongest metropolitan Lagos towards the North West, South West and Lekki axis, fourteen new schemes are to be developed in different parts of the state.


Babtunde FaholaMr. Gbenga Ashafa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau has said that as part of the plan of the Lagos State Government to decongest metropolitan Lagos towards the North West, South West and Lekki axis, fourteen new schemes are to be developed in different parts of the state.

Nine of the schemes are to be sited in the Lekki axis, while five will be in the Badagry division and the last one in Ikorodu division. The Lekki Schemes are all located after Ajah towards Epe. Fairmont Garden Scheme, Rainbow Mixed Development Scheme, Kings Court Residential Scheme, CBD/Mixed Development Grand View Mixed Development Scheme, Ibeju Mixed Development Scheme, Savannah Mixed Development Scheme, Pearl Scheme and Queens Palm Mixed Development Scheme are the grand sounding names of the new estates. This is probably because they are planned as high-end and middle-end estates.

According to the officials of the Public Relations Department of New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) both Fairmont Garden Scheme and Rainbow Mixed Development Scheme are located in Olokonla behind Abraham Adesanya Estate about three minutes drive after Ajah junction and about seven minutes drive from VGC. Both schemes are to be for mixed developments (commercial and residential). Opposite Abraham Adesanya Estate is Grand View Mixed Development Scheme.


Court Residential Scheme is situated in the Sangotedo about ten minutes drive from VGC. The total land area of this scheme is 70.19 hectares as follows: Sports area 5.34hectares, Housing 28.84hectares, Services 12.71hectares, Site and Services area 20.30hectares It has been designed in 5 Phases with only Phase 1 presently being developed. Phases 2 to 5 are awaiting investors tapping.

CBD/Mixed Development Scheme, Savannah Mixed Development Scheme, Queens Palm Mixed Development Scheme and Ibeju Mixed Development Scheme are all located in Abijo in Ibeju Lekki about five minutes drive from Sangotedo and about fifteen minutes drive from VGC. The last on the list, Pearl Scheme is located in Ogombo a fast developing neighbourhood along the Lekki Epe expressway. Ogombo is about ten minutes drive from VGC towards Epe Town.

Though the new schemes have already been earmarked for different parts of the Lekki Peninsula, official information from NTDA, shows that they are yet to be available for the public to buy into. The explanation given for this is that, NTDA wants infrastructure to be put in the schemes before they start allocating plots to the public. “We want to forestall the cases were Allottees refuse to develop their plots for a long time and distort the plans of the state government with excuses that they cannot move into their sites because of lack of infrastructure like road, electricity, drainage etc. They however said some of the schemes will be available to the public before the end of the year.

Despite being planned as high-end and middle-end estates, officials of NTDA explained that their prices will be affordable with due consideration given to current price trend in the axis.

Source: http://www.castlesweekly.com/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=915

This is a report in the 4th quarter 2009 edition of the magazine, Dredge Drill and Haul

Lagos Megacity Construction Projects:
Where does all the sand come from?

Recent media report has it that Lekki - Epe in Lagos Island is the fastest developing area in West Africa. This fact cannot be disputed by any who has lived here for some five or six years now. Areas that hitherto were waterlogged and inaccessible are now dotted with stately buildings and edifices typical of any modern city. Indeed, Lagos mega city project is first becoming a reality! One of the major challenges facing property developers especially in Lekki Epe area of Lagos state is the dearth of sand, the principal building material. The resultant multiplier effect of this shortage is the high cost of the material. This short supply is attribute to several factors.

The Lagos State governments clamp down on indiscriminate mining of sand ahs been blamed for this. The apparent government refusal to grant mining permit to the dredging companies has a share of the blame. The controversy over who is entitled to issue mining permit between the state government on one hand and Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority and Ministry of Mines and Steel on the other hand, many have not helped matters. They hike up the price to a record high. Presently, a ten-ton truck load of sand sales at between N26,000 and N30,000.

Thus, mining companies whose site were either closed down for non compliance with environmental impact assessment or who was stopped outrightly by the government have moved to other venues. We decided to investigate this and to ascertain the source of sand that criss-cross the Epe axis of Lekki. It was gathered that Julius Berger is still mining sand at their site located at Ajah. Displaced Miners too, have resorted to illegal mining so as to stay in business.

One of the sand dealers who pleaded anonymity claimed that they employ the services of boat owners who dig sand from across the rivers and lagoon and bring them onshore where we buy this sands.

It was also gathered that some individuals in this sand dredging business who bought land in the Epe-Eleko axis has converted such lands into mining sites. This type of sand according to the sand dealer is majorly used for sand filling purposes.

Another sand dealer visited refused to disclose the source of sand. He claimed that it was too dangerous to his business to divulge such information. Mr. Isaac Anayo, a building contractor, noted that his customers usually supplied him sand he used for sand-filling his sites from the Eleko- axis.

Further investigation to unravel the source of the sand now being used for various ongoing construction projects at Lekki-Ajah axis took our reporter to some of these sites. One such site visited was the proposed American International School being constructed by a well-known construction company. According to the spokesperson of the company, who gave his name as Mr. Sam, the company buys its sand from Ogun State, from the local miners who mine sand from the riverine areas of Ogun State.

Further investigation revealed that Lagos state government has become involved in the mining business of sand. According to Daleey Ahakiru, a sand dealer at Berger bus Stop, Ajah,” the Lagos State government has assumed control of the Ikorodu sand mining site as well as Awoyaya water front mining site. They now sale sand to us which we in turn, resell to our client”. When asked the price of a twenty ton truck load of sand, he said that it cost about N60,000 for sharp white sand and N56,000 for the black sharp sand got from local miners.

To substantiate the veracity of the information, we visited a dredging site at Awoyaya where Brass top dredging and marine services company operates. Sand dredging operation was not going on at the Awoyaya water front site because the government has stopped them. There, heaps of sharp sands mined were being is now controlled by Lagos state government. Two police officers met on the site, Mr. Osagie and Mr. Chinonso who said they were from Alausa to control activity on the site, did not grant the permission to discuss with the actual dredging company. According to them, the order from the boss is that no one should be allowed entrance except the truck drivers and the sand dealers accompanying them. A buyer met at the site narrated how a friend lost his money to some area boys when he was driven out of a mining site. These boys moved away his truck load of sand to his total dismay.

Another site visited was a surface mining site commonly called burrow put at Lakowe in Ibeju Lekki. There tractors were at work excavating the surface layers of sand to a depth of about five feet. Miners interacted with reiterated that their boss entered into agreement with the land owners to mine the sand and after which the land is returned to the owner.

It was also observed that the miners keep moving to new sites after exhausting the available sand on a site. In fact, we had to cross a site that had already been exhausted to a new site farther inside where mining operation was currently going no. According to the miners, filling sand and plaster sands are obtained from this burrowed pits. One of the miners explained that the difference between filling sand and plaster sand is that plaster sand is sticky to the touch and is usually covered by filling sand.

It was also learnt that the sand dredging activity of Julius Berger at the Palaver yard Ajah is authotrised by the government. The mined sand is majorly used for all Julius Berger construction projects. According to one of the drivers of Julius Berger truck, Mr. Joseph, met at the palaver yard dredging site, “we do not sell o dredged sand to sand dealers. Our contract works are going on”. This confirms what and official of Julius Berger at the American International school construction site who are in charge of the sand filling project earlier told our reporter.

It was also alleged that some highly placed individuals resident at Ajah and Ajiran area have joined in the illegal mining and selling of sand. A dealer who does not want her name mentioned said she was aware that there was mining activity going on around Chevron and Jakande round about by Femi Okonu Estate, where she obtains her supply. Information gathered showed that they usually transport their sand so early in the morning or so late at night to evade possible arrest and interrogation.

Block industries nestled along the Ajah-Lekki Epe axis either make use of Beach sand or patronise these miners. For some of these block industries, the use of landrover to supply sand is very common. And this usually takes place early in the morning or at night. It was also observed that the police at the checkpoints along Ajah-Epe axis appear to be more interested in the higher sum of money this truck drivers give them than concern for the legality of the supplied sand.

Feeding question from our report, Mr. Biodun Fatimehin who is involved in the dredging business here in Lekki have his own account of the sand dredging situation in Lagos. According to him, no dredging company has been given approval to dredge sand in Lekki. There us a serious controversy between the Lagos State government and the Federal ministry of mines and Steel and the national Inland Water Ways Authority. Over who control dredging operations. The law empowers the ministry of mines and steel to licence mining operators. The same goes for National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). However the state government claimed that she is entitled to control all activities in her territorial waters. Hence the creation of Lagos State Ministry of Water front Infrastructure Development. These dredging companies that had been operating under approval from the Federal agencies were asked to seek permission from the state government brought out this new law for all dredging companies to come and register under them in order to obtain operating license. The ministry require that dredging companies who want operating licence issued them must bring along environmental Impact assessment report, tax clearance certificate and survey plan document.

Most of the dredging companies accepted this government demand, and are in the process of completing the process. However, they move to site and started dredging sand without completing the registration process. The government subsequently sent revenue collectors to this dredging sites. The host communities is was alleged complained to the state government about the massive degradation of their environment. This, couples with the company’s refusal to remit revenue to the government led to government’s action to take over the sand mining operation and to take control of selling the sand at any site they are aware of. Even Roseland dredging company that recently move to Awoyaya near where Brass Top dredging and Marine Services company operate could not operate any further as a result of the government’s takeover of their dredging site.

Mr. Biodun further said that there was unsubstantiated report that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel has reclaimed Ikorodu mining site and has driven the Lagos State Task Force.

Responding to question about community reaction and dredging companies responsibility toward host community, Mr. Biodun said that they try as much as possible to involve the community. According to him, “we have a community involvement plan in our agenda. We usually arrange stakeholder meeting where the elders and our official sit down to talk about our operation. We usually outline or social responsibility programme for them such as improving social amenities, employing members of the community and compensating the local fisherman who are mostly affected by our operations.

As to the solution to the rising cost of sand and the controversy over the control of mining in the state, Mr. Biodun opined that the state government actually is tno entitled by Nigerian Law to control mining operation. But that it is, the duty of Federal agencies – National Inland Water Ways authority and the Ministry of Mines and Steel. For the availability of sand, he further advised the state government to sensitize and sanitize the dredging companies and to ensure that companies given permit to operate to meet the demand of all stakeholders. Conclusively, he said that dredging has come to stay in Nigeria. We cannot rule our dredging because of the shallow waterways especially in the Niger-Delta states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River where dredging is the only available source of sand for construction.

This investigation therefore, shows that illegal/unapproved mining accounts for a higher percentage of sand supply used at most construction sites in Lekki-Ajah. The sand supply from Eleko-Ibeju axis, mostly used for sandfilling and plastering purposes are mined from acquired lands. The few supply from government - controlled dredging sites command higher prices than the illegally mined ones.

Lekki Concession Construction Company, the contractor handling the expansion and rehabilitation of Lekki-Epe Expressway, Like Julius Berger construction company has the state government’s backing on their mining activities. This is because they are working for the state government.

Major sand dealers and dredging firms had started a major search for alternative dredging locations outside Lagos state especially the coastal states of Niger-Delta.

Concerted effort should therefore be made by government to reduce the cost of sand. Also the government should take necessary steps to integrate the miners into the government plan so as to supervise their mining operations and to avoid environmental degradation.

There should be a government established and enforced benchmark price for sand. These measures will go along way in checking the illegal mining of sand going on in this area of Lagos State

Source: http://ddhmag.com/sourceofsand4thqtr09.htm

johnie:
Responding, Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji assured the people that the lawmakers will look into their requests. He urged them not to take laws into their hands by vandalizing works that has been done by the contractor.

The House later set up a five-man committee to investigate the matter and report back on Tuesday, May 11. Members of the Committee are Saka Fafunmi, Kabir Lawal, Babajide Akinloye, Mudashiru Obasa and Razaq

Any updates on this?

Storm over tolling of Lagos-Epe Expressway

Despite the pockets of protests that have greeted the envisaged introduction of tolls along the Lekki -Epe expressway, the concessionaire, Messrs Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Limited last week insisted that barring unforeseen delays, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the 49.4 kilometre expressway will be completed before the end of 2011.

The Lekki Toll Road Concession is the flagship private sector led road project being implemented under a Public Private Partnership with Lagos State Government.

LCC’s Managing Director, Mr Opuiyo Oforiokuma told newsmen that his company has not fixed any date to flag off tolls collection on the ever-busy expressway.  “I am seizing the opportunity to reaffirm what I explained to you during our last press conference about the timing of the commencement of tolling on Lekki Epe Expressway.

This is important to help dispel some of the false rumours circulating around about what LCC’s plans are, but also to help allay the genuine fears and uncertainties that we believe exist in some peoples’ minds about the forthcoming toll charges,” the LCC boss said.

On the commencement of tolling, Mr Oforiokuma stated  that while LCC has publicly communicated its expectations that tolling would likely to commence in May, it  has not at anytime publicly communicated any specific date of its commencement.

He explained that some milestones must be attained before the company would commence tolling of the road. “As we have already previously explained publicly,  LCC’s entitlement to toll is governed by the achievement of defined milestones, and follows a structured process.

This is in line with international norms and best practice for infrastructure projects such as ours. The main steps in the process include the substantial completion of specific road sections such as in the case of the first Toll Plaza, the delivery of Km 0 – Six of the carriageway (from Falomo Bridge Loop/Ozumba Mbadiwe Rd intersection to before 2nd Roundabout); the expansion of ExxonMobil Bridge from four to six lanes; and construction of the first Toll Plaza (“Admiralty Circle Plaza”), including various features such as roundabouts; drainage culverts and open drains; pedestrian walkways; traffic lights; and street lights; amongst others, as well as various features that you do not now see because they are located below ground (e.g., cable ducts)”.

The LCC boss reiterated that when LCC’s construction contractor, Hitech, substantially completes the works to its satisfaction, they will  apply to the Independent Engineer for certification.

“The Independent Engineer is a reputable international engineering consultancy firm, with experience in infrastructure projects such as ours. Certification is not automatic, the independent engineer will satisfy himself that the new road infrastructure is fit for that purpose and safe for road users to use,” Mr. Oforiokuma said, adding that:  “Notification of tolls will occur only after independent certification has been achieved. LCC can then only commence tolling after having given the Lagos State government not less than 14 days of the tolls.

“Subject to weather and other conditions, it is now likely that our entitlement to commence tolling will not crystallise until the latter part of May or the early part of June. Even when our entitlement to commence tolling has crystallized, we will still make final internal judgments about our readiness to commence tolling, before we actually ‘go live’”.

On repeated requests for information on toll charges, Mr. Oforiokuma said: “We appreciate that everyone is eager to know what the actual toll tariffs will be, and that the fact that we have not announced them yet is not only causing some uncertainty in peoples’ minds, but is also encouraging unhelpful gossip and speculation about LCC’s motives and about what the toll tariffs will be. You should be rest assured that LCC does not have any secret nefarious toll agenda as some people would have you believe”.

Rather, we are using every opportunity available to us to fine tune the pricing and incentives structure, taking account of key variables such as inflation, interest rates, traffic volumes, etc, so that we can ensure that the actual tolls that we charge are affordable and represent value for money to road users.

Details of the toll pricing structure, incentives and mechanisms will be provided through various Media in coming weeks, as well as through presentation visits to Housing Estates, Corporate Organizations, Community

Development Associations, and other establishments” he said.

•••Why we are protesting — Residents

Shortly after the media briefing, some residents of Eti-Osa Community stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly premises to protest the proposed tolling and fencing project on Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The residents who claimed to have visited Governor Babatunde Fashola in his office appealed to the lawmakers to urgently review the concession agreement between the state government and LCC on the expansion of the road.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Adewale Sanni explained that since the commencement of the road project, many concerned civil society organisations have raised their voices formally and informally on the likely negative effects of tolling and fencing of the road on human development.

Sanni alleged that there was no adequate consultation with the people to know their demands and priorities before the concession agreement was finalised. He insisted that the expressway should not be tolled “as the state government generates enough resources from infrastructural development charges/levies, income taxes and other property taxes from the area to sustain the estimated N50 billion project”, he added.

He complained that collection of toll on the road will further pauperize the people of Eti-Osa whose lands have been acquired by successive administration of the state government as well as other groups of residents who must use the road daily as part of socio-economic interactions.

“The government has no doubt conceded too much to LCC in the agreement to our utmost disadvantage and we think this should be redressed. The fencing of the road as currently being undertaken is another sign of insensitivity on the part of government and the concessionaire.

“The fencing of the road is meant to maximize the concessionaire’s profit without any care for the socio-cultural or economic implications it may have on our people. It is meant to tactically force people into the use of toll road by blocking off entry or exit routes to any adjoining roads,” Sanni said. Responding, Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji assured the people that the lawmakers will look into their requests. He urged them not to take laws into their hands by vandalizing works that has been done by the contractor.

The House later set up a five-man committee to investigate the matter and report back on Tuesday, May 11. Members of the Committee are  Saka Fafunmi, Kabir Lawal, Babajide Akinloye, Mudashiru Obasa and Razaq

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/04/storm-over-tolling-of-lagos-epe-expressway/

ziga:
I'm sure if the British PM was to be in Lagos, his security details will include shutting down traffic for a couple of hrs too.

Fashola does not go about blaring sirens or shutting down traffic for a couple of hours!

Prediction Which Shaped the Political Destiny of the Yar’Adua Family
As the story goes, the following incident happened many years ago in the palace of Alhaji Usman Nagogo, late Emir of Katsina. Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, father of Shehu and Umaru, was at the time holder of the traditional chieftaincy title of Mutawalle of Katsina(Mutawallen Katsina in Hausa language).

His son and recently-deceased President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru, later succeeded his father to become the holder of that title. His late elder brother, General Shehu Yar’Adua who was a former military Vice President of Nigeria and during his post-retirement life the most powerful politician of his day, held the title of Tafida of Katsina(Tafidan Katsina). Both titles – Tafida and Mutawalle make the holders concurrent ministers and dukes of the Emir’s cabinet.

One day at the palace of the Emir of Katsina, a marabout of the Emir’s had an angry exchange with the Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, father of Shehu and Umaru. In anger, he was said to have shouted that the elder Yar’adua would never again pass a night within the limits of the walled city of Katsina to which the elder Yar’Adua replied, saying that the marabout himself would never again sleep under a roof.

According to Katsina oral traditions, the elder Yar’Adua never again slept within the walled city of Katsina and only came and went from Katsina, sleeping in a house on the outskirts of town. It is not entirely clear what became of the marabout.

Much later at a peace meeting called to reconcile the feuding parties and which reportedly took place at the Emir’s palace, another of the emir’s marabouts who was apparently intent on dousing the prevailing tension jokingly asked the elder Yar’Adua to learn to take things easy. After all, said the marabout, his son was destined to be “first among equals”. Asked what he meant by that, he categorically stated that one of his sons was destined to become President of Nigeria.


The foregoing prediction it was which accounted for the late Shehu Yar’Adua’s steely resolve to emerge as President of Nigeria, a project to which he is said to have committed well over a hundred million dollars on building political party structures across Nigeria.

Indeed, his political association then known as the Peoples Front of Nigeria(later the Peoples Democratic Movement) has since 1988 emerged as the most formidable, most successful and most broad-based political platform in Nigeria. It formed the backbone of the Babangida-era Social Democratic Party (SDP) and is the major plank of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. During the days of the defunct SDP in the early 1990s, when Nigeria was a federation of 30 states and had a Senate comprised of 91 members, the Peoples Democratic Movement faction of the SDP produced 11 of the 14 SDP state governors nationwide and 37 of the 53 SDP senators in the Nigerian Senate.

Arising from the fact that the late General Shehu Yar’Adua had already served as the nation’s military Vice President, he was said to have been convinced that he was the Yar’Adua son said to be destined to become Nigeria’s President. This did not come as a surprise to many in the light of the fact that his kid brother, Umaru, the retiring and quiet type who had the strange habit of driving tractors and working on the family’s farm even at night. Few in Katsina saw Umaru as being cut out for high stakes politicking. Well, look who later became President!

One more thing. during the valedictory session held in honour of late President Umaru Yar’Adua on 11 May 2010 by the Nigerian House of Representatives, the deputy Speaker of the House in his tribute alluded to the fact of President Yar’adua’s honesty when he stated that the only house which the late president owned was actually built for him by his late brother, general Shehu Yar’Adua.

The late President thus belongs to an exclusive league of very modest former Presidents/Heads of State of Nigeria such as General Yakubu Gowon, Shehu Shagari and General Muhammadu Buhari.

General Buhari is not known to have any foreign bank account and only had a modest bungalow in his native far northern hometown of Daura(Katsina state) at the time that he was Head of State while General Gowon actually had a house worth about 1 million naira built for him by the military government of Plateau State during the late 1980s simply because the former head of state had no house of his own to return to, years after he was was amnestied by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

For his part, Shagari was found to have been without blemish by his probing military successor while General Murtala Muhammed died with a paltry N7.22K ( seven naira,twenty two kobo) in his bank account.


Source: http://beegeagle./2010/05/14/prediction-which-shaped-the-political-destiny-of-the-yaradua-family/

Check out the description of the Gambian president on this page


http://www.statehouse.gm/investiture_24042010.htm

johnie:
I saw a news report on Silverbird Television (STV) in which the people of Okun Ajah and the environs complained that a vessel off their coast was dredging sand from the ocean and that this could have dire environmental impact on the area.

As I watched, I wondered "isn't this a case of the kettle calling the pot black?"

If you have been to that coast late at night or early in the morning, you would see those old Landrover Jeeps being used to convey sand dug along the beachfront to some nearby locations to mould concrete blocks by the residents of the area!

In some cases, the blocks are being moulded right at the beach front!

Are the residents angry that they have to pay the policemen who patrol the area but are satisfied to look the other way once their palms are properly greased while the owners of the vessel don't?

Meanwhile, what happened to all the noise about banning dredging by the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Development?

To be candid, I am yet to see the impact of that ministry.

Both the vessel owners and the offending residents should be brought to book immediately.

And to think that the Lagos State hosted a summit on climate change just last week!

johnie:
The estate/scheme are Amuwo Odowu Waterfront, Okun Ajah, Tope Coral Island, Saphire Waterfront, Ibeshe Waterfront, Epe Marina, Idale Whedako, Gberefu, and other Lagoon Island Foreshore and Marina developments.

Disclosing this at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adesegun Oniru, observed that the schemes are in the last stages of approval and are ready for allocation.


Mr. Oniru said his ministry’s activities have led to the discovery of warm water spring at Epe and Itoikin. He further said an International Arbitration Centre is under construction at Okun, which will serve as a multipurpose centre of international standard. Part of its facilities will include conference rooms, shops, café, and hearing rooms.

Commenting on the activities of sand diggers and stock pilling applicants, the commissioner said only 15 such approvals have been given, while necessary Environment Impact Assessment determines who and when such permits are given. Non-compliance with the dictates of the law, he said, attracts a penalty of two years prison term or a fine of N1 million.

He also disclosed that 17 persons, who were arrested for illegal sand rigging activities, have been investigated and prosecuted; just as all 13 petitions referred to the Ministry have also been addressed.

Looks like someone up there in the hierarchy has been reading this thread yet I was exiled to the politics section for publishing some "seditious" info about Okun Ajah

johnie:
Mr. Oniru said his ministry’s activities have led to the discovery of warm water spring at Epe and Itoikin. He further said an International Arbitration Centre is under construction at Okun, which will serve as a multipurpose centre of international standard. Part of its facilities will include conference rooms, shops, café, and hearing rooms.

Okun where is this? Okun Ajah? Okun Mopo? Okun Onibeju?

[quote author=johnie link=topic=367311.msg5978549#msg5125691 ]I read sometime about an Okun Ajah Waterfront Scheme being planned by the Lagos State Government. I would really like to know what this is about. Is it a residential scheme like Lekki Phase II or a tourist centre? Any one with infomation on this?[/quote]Lagos to unveil 10 new waterfront schemes

Ten new waterfront schemes, developed by the Lagos State Waterfront Infrastructure Development, will soon be unveiled by the state government for prospective developers.

The estate/scheme are Amuwo Odowu Waterfront, Okun Ajah, Tope Coral Island, Saphire Waterfront, Ibeshe Waterfront, Epe Marina, Idale Whedako, Gberefu, and other Lagoon Island Foreshore and Marina developments.

Disclosing this at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adesegun Oniru, observed that the schemes are in the last stages of approval and are ready for allocation.

While noting the state government’s commitment to tapping and developing the potentials of the mineral resources in the state, the commissioner disclosed that the effort will facilitate the creation of employment opportunities for Lagosians.

He said there has been a preliminary geological mapping of Lagos State for evaluation of its oil and gas potentials, as well as investigation for silica sand deposits.

Mr. Oniru said his ministry’s activities have led to the discovery of warm water spring at Epe and Itoikin. He further said an International Arbitration Centre is under construction at Okun, which will serve as a multipurpose centre of international standard. Part of its facilities will include conference rooms, shops, café, and hearing rooms.

Commenting on the activities of sand diggers and stock pilling applicants, the commissioner said only 15 such approvals have been given, while necessary Environment Impact Assessment determines who and when such permits are given. Non-compliance with the dictates of the law, he said, attracts a penalty of two years prison term or a fine of N1 million.

He also disclosed that 17 persons, who were arrested for illegal sand rigging activities, have been investigated and prosecuted; just as all 13 petitions referred to the Ministry have also been addressed.

Reporting on the ecological disasters in the state, Mr. Oniru said the various ship wrecks dotting the foreshores at Olomometa, Lagos Marina, Badagry Marina, and Akukumo, are being addressed as they have been dismembered for evacuation.

Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5568184-146/story.csp