₦airaland Forum

^^^^

This news report seems to contradict what I thought I heard on the News at Ten on Channels TV last night.

I though they said tolling would not commence until the second toll plaza is completed. Unfortunatley the news item is not featured on Channel's website.

I wonder, did Silverbird carry the news at all?

I passed through the roundabout this morning. It has indeed been opened but I am not yet sure what impact it would have on traffic movement.

Contrary to the impression given in the report that section I has been completd and user are already enjoying the road, work was still going on at the Exxon Mobil bridge and some other parts of the road when I passed there last night and even this morning.

It is funny that the LCC website (http://www.lcc.com.ng) is not updated regularly to keep users abreast of the progress of work. I could not find any information on the opening of the roundabout when I visited the website this morning.

From today's edition of The Punch.

Collection of tolls on a section of the Lekki-Epe Expressway will soon commence once the concessionaire of the road, Lekki Concession Company, is able to obtain independent certification of the completion of the first six kilometres of the 50km road, which is scheduled to be completed in May.


This is coming on the heels of an announcement by LCC that the rebuilt and expanded Lekki Phase I Roundabout would be opened to traffic today (Wednesday). The roundabout had been closed to traffic to allow the company redesign it in line with the overall development plan for the road.


The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LCC, Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma, said at a media forum on Tuesday, that the decision to start tolling the completed section of the road was taken in order to allow it recover part of the money it had already spent and since residents were already enjoying the benefits of the reconstructed road, whose total budget is about N50bn.


The six-kilometre Section I consists of the reconstructed six-lane carriageway, the ExxonMobil Bridge and the first of the three toll plazas, which is almost complete.

Though he did not disclose the fees that motorists would pay for using the road since the details were still being worked out with the Lagos State Government, Oforiokuma, however, said that they would be affordable, noting that tolls would be based on vehicle categories motor cycles, cars, SUVs, taxis/commercial buses, saloon cars, buses and heavy vehicles paying different rates.

He said that LCC had put in place discounts and price incentives to encourage users and reduce their burden. These include discounts for commercial buses, incentives for use of electronic payment methods and for bulk purchases and incentives for frequent users.

The payment methods, according to him, include SwiftPass contact with less cards, electronic eTag; cash and debit cards and cash payments.

Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201003312292346

Interesting analysis.

Any more takers?

Looks like work has started on the stretch between second roundabout and the third.

I noticed that some trenches were dug at those points where the red stakes I mentioned earlier were placed. On close examination last week, I observed that the objective seems to be a relocation of some cables laid under the median of the road to the side of the road. Presumably these cables are phcn or communication cables.

I don't think the job is being handled by Hi-Tech/LCC. Looks like the owners of the cable(s) are the ones doing the job.

I hope the first roundabout will be opened this week. Afterall this is march ending

Thanks.

I can't lay my hands on a copy of the paper (yet).

Anyone who can should kindly post it here.

Megastu, great to have you back!

Which edition of This Day did the paid advert appear? I'd like to see it and paste it here.

You are right about everyone hitting the road at the same time.

I came across this piece this morning!

Fraud in the name of “toll collection” on Lekki-Epe expressway Written by Salami ‘Seyi Oderinde, Zack Okechukwu Maduka, Akhilele Eriamanto, Diepreye Omubor
Thursday, 18 March 2010 15:59

When we expressed our disenchantment on the Lekki-Epe Expressway expansion project in an advertorial in this Weekly (Island News) about three weeks ago, we were not ignorant of the fact that some people, especially the contractor handling the project, Messrs Lekki Concession Company (LCC) and its allied stakeholders would have taken us for some ‘disgruntled elements’ as commonly used in our country even where they are saying the obvious.   In any case, we make bold to state that we are indeed disgusted about everything concerning the so-called expansion project.  Rather than rise up and address all or some of the issues raised in our advertorial under reference, we are disappointed to see LCC re-affirming in the Island News of March 15, 2010, the need to commence toll collection in May 2010.  If we may ask, what is the urgency about toll collection in a 44-kilometer road, out of which only a 2-kilometer stretch has been completed?

It is laughable and inconsistent with global standard practice to hear that a road concessioning assignment with a life span of 30 years is already attracting toll collection when only 5% of work has been done.  LCC obviously knows that this is fraudulent because expectedly, the period from commencement to completion, which in this case, would have been from 2006 to 2009, should ordinarily be taken as gesticulation or ‘test-run’ period.  The toll collection would therefore, have started after completion and that is again, if there is even any need for it, given the social responsibility nature of the project on the part of Lagos State Government.  However, as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal, it may be expedient to reason that LCC will device a means to recoup its investment but we hasten to conclude quite emphatically that erecting 3 toll plazas on a 44-kilometer road is nothing but a FRAUD.  And, for 30 years!  If anything, one toll plaza at a very strategic point that does not offer escape route would have been ideal.  Here again, our point has been re-emphasized that LCC did not appear to have a helicopter analysis of the entire project before embarking on it.  Otherwise, how can it explain the hardship and ‘holes’ it will create in motorists’ pockets by collecting fees from 3 toll plazas for 30 years.

Whilst we are not in any way fooled by LCC’s claim that the project nay toll plazas will help to “provide sustainable solutions to the challenges brought about by heavy traffic congestion along Lekki area”, we wish to align with the refined opinion of the Eti-Osa Heritage Group to the effect that “the proposal to increase the round-abouts along the road is a faulty concept in the road’s design.”  They further explained that it “contradicts the very essence of the road expansion as the presence of 3 toll plazas and about 10 round-abouts will obviously slow down, rather than accelerate vehicular movement.”  Eti-Osa Heritage Group is only a socio-cultural group and not a Construction Giant.  Then, it behoves us to begin to realize, though belatedly and unfortunately too, that this so-called Lekki-Epe expansion project is a FRAUD as we maintain that if 2 kilometers work, according to LCC has already gulped N5 billion, it is logical to conclude that the remaining  42 kilometers will cost a whooping sum of N105 billion and that is on the assumption that exchange rate remains the same and there are no variations in the bills of quantities. The warning in our previous advertorial still stands.  We are fine-tuning.  We will resist any hardship or difficulties that we are being deliberately subjected to by LCC.  The toll collection in May is unacceptable for now as it is unfair to all motorists on the Lekki-Epe expressway.  LCC must re-think now!


LEKKI-EPE EXPRESSWAY EXPANSION 
RIGHT NOW A CURSE! 

We have noted with dismay that the purported dividend of democracy as it concerns the expansion of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which understandably would help ease the perennial traffic logjam, is now causing more problems than it had set out to address.  It is very disheartening to note the following:

1.  That a 44-kilometer road expansion programme which was originally scheduled to be completed within a period of three years from 2006 to 2009, still has not gone beyond a 2-kilometer  mark. The contractor, Lekki Concession Company (LCC) says the two kilometer work has cost  them N5billion.

2.  That, instead of the expansion of the road to further help open up the Lekki-Epe axis, it is rather helping to dwindle the economy of the axis as values of property are depreciating at an alarming rate whilst man-hours loss as a result of the horrendous traffic logjam leaves much to be desired. Let us say here loud and clear, businesses are collapsing.

3.  That health hazards such as cardiac arrest and hypertension are increasingly causing death of residents and commuters as a result of the daily stress they experience on the road, and this is better imagined than expressed.  The contractor is fiddling while homes burn! People are dying!

4.  That the occasional statements on ‘project progress’ by the construction company, LCC are appreciated but we make haste to state that LCC should concern itself with the speedy completion of work and not explanatory advertorials as there is no juxtaposition whatsoever between 2 kilometers completed in four years and the whole stretch of 44 kilometers that should have been completed by now.
 
5.  That we are of the impression that LCC either has issues of internal governance which are being concealed from the public and therefore, slow down pace of work; or that its claim of efficiency and capability is suspect as we will not accept the inexcusable reason of the absence of fund since the project abinitio ,is on a BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) basis.

6.  That the recent statement by LCC that collection of tolls on the road will commence in May, would be challenged, because in the first place, there is no basis for a toll gate since the State Government,  also allegedly spent about N7.7 billion on a 2-kilometer road on Western Avenue on the mainland .

7.  That the current alternative diversion for commuters appears not to be well thought out before making it public as commuters now go through “hell”.

In the light of the foregoing, we would like LCC to categorically address the issues raised herein with a view to providing the road-map for the way forward because if we maintain the current pace of work, the expected date of completion of the remaining 42 kilometers will be the year 2024.

We also wish to warn that if these issues are not addressed, sooner than later, there will be a  series of action we will take including litigation, demonstrations  and  organized blockade of the entire road by all aggrieved residents and commuters.

For:  CONCERNED RESIDENTS
OF LEKKI & AJAH (COROLA)
1. Salami 'Seyi  Oderinde 2. Zack Okechukwu Maduka     
3. Akhilele Eriamantor 4. Diepreye Omubor
E-mail:corola20@yahoo.co.uk

Source:http://www.saharareporters.com/letters/your-letters/5573-fraud-in-the-name-of-toll-collection-on-lekki-epe-expressway.html

AdornHomes:
For the first time, travelling time from Ajah to CMS was 40 minutes. This is good for a Monday.

I heard that, Gov Fashola is coming to inspect in May 2010.

40 minutes? What time of the day was this?
Inspecting the road work or commissioning the toll plaza? I am more interested in him inspecting and monitoring the work.

AdornHomes:
How much do you think that, this toll will be?

I am guessing N100 or N50. That will be a lot of revenue for the toll company.

I don't have the faintest idea how much will be charged.

As long as they give us great service, I am willing to pay.

It's likely that work would be completed on the plaza this week. I noticed it had been painted when I passed there last night.

We should not expect that any more serious work would be done on the alternate routes in Phase 1 and Oniru once the plaza is completed. I expect that these two estates will be walled off all the way to second roundabout to ensure that we all pass (and Pay as we GrOan ) through the plaza.

It seems, in line with the hope I expressed yesterday, that some preliminary work has started on the strecth between second roundabout and the third as I saw some sand and some heavy machinery near Ikate Elegushi. I think they intend to expand the stretch as I suggested yesterday.

If work can begin on that stretch immediately and they learnt and would put into practise some valuable lessons in traffic management and keeping to deadlines from the first roundabout experience, thereby easing traffic there, then MAYBE we would not mind paying toll

What are your thoughts?

Is the estate inhabited now? I visited the place about two years ago when construction work was going on.

What size(s) are/is the plot(s)?

Thanks.

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!!

@Akintola,

How far with this road you talked about? Has it been awarded? Has construction work started? This is the end of the first quarter o! June don nearly reach o!


I noticed that Julius Berger have opened up a route just at the Chevron roundabout into the parcel of land for the American Internation School and serious construction work is going on on that site even at night. Some buildings are up already.

Any updates on these?

AdornHomes:
@Johnie and Megastu,

Keep up the info! Well done.

Thanks AdornHomes.

I was worried that the thread had turned into a dialogue between myself and Megastu!

I was hoping that others would join the discourse which I thought would be a good deviation from the usual 'BUY and SELL' nature of this section.

Any way, here are my latest thoughts,

The traffic situation along the Lekki axis has been really hectic in the last few weeks following the commencement of reconstruction work on the Lekki Phase 1 (first) roundabout.

The deadline given to owners of undeveloped plots in Phase 1 has forced most of them to fence their plots effectively cutting off the short-cuts most commonly used to beat the traffic on the expressway particularly at the south-east end of Oniru Estate.

I am worried that for a second time, LCC/Hi-Tech may not meet the self-proclaimed deadline for the reconstruction of the round-about. Sometime last year, October I think it was, they had announced that the job would be completed by the end of February.

Once week to the end of March, it seems to me that they would not be able to meet the deadline.

One then begins to wonder that if it has taken them so much time to work of that part of the road, how much longer would it take to do the work between first round about and second round about.

My greatest worry however is between second round about and the third round about. This is because even now that there is no construction work going on, the volume of traffic between that stretch is phenomenal. This is probably due to the higher number of interconnecting roads within that stretch compared to the stretch between first round about and second round about.

The third round about needs to be cleared of all undesirables (e.g. hawkers), bus stops relocated far from the road and manned by traffic officials, the road widened before any appreciable difference is made on that stretch.

Some pegs (marked in red) have suddenly appeared on the stretch between the second round about and the third round about. Meaning that work will start soon?

I have also noticed that Hi-tech is constructing a work area just behind Chevron. This is probably in readiness of the construction of the second toll plaza after the Chevron round about.

When the first toll plaza is completed, we should expect to start paying tolls almost immediately as I think that is what would be used to finance the next phase of the project.

On the whole, my assessment of the speed of the work so far is SLUGGISH!

In terms of quality, I cannot say as that is not my area of core competence.

in terms of management of the project vis-à-vis users of the road, while I commend LCC for providing some (little) information of the progress of work (this is Nigeria where information hardly flows ) and providing security patrols (I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness and usefulness of these operatives when my car developed a fault at about 8 p.m. some time last year. I was expecting my car to be towed and that I would be heavily fined but that was not the case ), I fault approach to their inability to keep to schedule.

I expected that by now, the link to Falomo Bridge just after Law School would have been completed. Just as the second round about would also have been completed and the stretch between second and third round about widened.


What are your own thoughts?

Has anyone got Veno Marioghae's "Nigeria Go survive" or Onyeka's "One Love"?

Good day and thanks for all your help here.

Please assist with these VINs:

1HGCG165XYA010897
1HGCG56772A044845
1HGCG564723117525
JHMCG66082C027093

Many thanks.

African view: Big men do not die
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8107876.stm
posted 18 June 2009




In our series of weekly viewpoints from African journalists, Elizabeth Ohene, a former presidential spokesperson in Ghana, considers the delicate issue of announcing a leader's death as Gabon's long-time leader Omar Bongo is buried.

I speak with authority when I say African leaders don't ever get tired, or go on vacation, or need to see a doctor, or indeed ever die.

And I speak not only of our political leaders but of our traditional leaders as well.

Over the past week as the world has watched the government of Gabon struggle to deal with the news of the death of President Omar Bongo, I have been left wondering whether to laugh or to cry.


The presidency of the Gabonese Republic would like to stress that His Excellency Omar Bongo is not dead, He is continuing his holiday in Spain

Gabon government spokesman
At the age of 73 and having been president for 42 years during which time it was never acknowledged that he ever took a day off work for ill health, it is not surprising that there was no easy way of announcing that the indestructible great man had died.

The sequence of events was a classical farce. On the 7 May, the Gabonese government announced that President Bongo had temporarily suspended his official duties and taken time off to mourn the death of his wife and rest in Spain.

Curiouser and curiouser

Once upon a time, that would have been that, but modern communications make news management a touch more difficult.



Gabon's prime minister telling the media that Mr Bongo was not dead
The international media promptly announced that President Bongo was seriously ill and undergoing treatment for cancer in hospital in Barcelona.

The Gabonese government yielded ground a bit and said that the president was in Spain for a few days of rest following the "intense emotional shock" of his wife's death, and was "undergoing a medical check up".

The international media then reported the president was being treated for intestinal cancer, which they said had reached "an advanced stage".

On 7 June, the French media reported that President Bongo had died in Spain. The government of Gabon denied the report.

An hour or so after the denial, the Gabonese prime minister released a curious statement: "This morning I visited the president, accompanied by the president of the national assembly, the foreign minister, the head of the president's cabinet and senior members of the presidential family and after a meeting with the medical team we can confirm that the president is alive."


When a chief dies in Ghana, you are only allowed to say he has gone to his village

The next day, the 8 June 2009, things got curiouser and curiouser.

The Spanish foreign affairs ministry said: "We have confirmed that President Bongo is alive." This was followed soon after by the Spanish media reporting that Bongo had died.

Meanwhile in Gabon the government maintained its position. A spokesman stated: "The presidency of the Gabonese Republic would like to stress that His Excellency Omar Bongo is not dead, He is continuing his holiday in Spain."

Indeed, according to the spokesman, the latest update he had was good news - and that Bongo was preparing to leave the clinic. "We are getting ready to welcome the head of state," the spokesman said.

Soon after this "good news", the prime minister confirmed the president's death in a written statement.

'Disrespectful'

It was always thus you know; some 30 years ago, a newspaper got into trouble here in Ghana when it carried a report that the president had been flown to London for a medical condition.



Ghana's John Atta Mills seems in rude health
I got into a lot of trouble when I wrote an article in which I suggested the nation should be told if the president of the republic was unwell and there was a likelihood of him dying.

After that article, I was told that it was disrespectful to suggest that the chief was unwell, and that even in the very unlikely event of the chief actually dying, one is not allowed in our tradition to say that the chief had died! When a chief dies in Ghana, you are only allowed to say he has gone to his village.

Fast forward to the year 2001 and yours truly is in government in Ghana and is the presidential spokesperson. I put out a statement that the president of the republic was taking a two day's rest.

Next thing I knew, all hell had broken loose around me. Presidents don't take rest and even if they do, I was advised to find a form of words that would not expose him to the public as needing to take any rest.

Now if one is to believe the newspapers here in Ghana, the current president of the republic, John Atta-Mills is unwell; during the recent election campaign, the word on the ground was that he was so unwell he wouldn't make it to the end of the year.

So we are all now carefully watching for any sign of ill health whenever the president appears in public.

His speeches seem to be printed in 22 font size. But apart from that so far he looks in very rude health and every time you see him on television he seems to be angry with somebody or the other.

But if he is indeed unwell, I can assure you there will not be any official communication of the fact.

The reason is quite clear, our leaders are never ill, never get tired and they certainly do not die.

And in the very unlikely event that the President of the Republic, the Head of State, His Excellency President Omar Bongo, might actually be dead and buried, it is disrespectful to say so.

Thanks very much for your reply.

The plan is to buy a bus to start with and employ a driver and and his assistant to the distribution. Other sales boys using trolleys is also being considered

Please expatiate on security required while transporting.

Thanks again.

.

Hello,

SMGT:
The sizes are 30 by 40 (Large size)

What is the unit of the sizes quoted? inches, cm, etc?

@poster,

Just to let you know that Ibafo, though close to Lagos, is in Ogun State and not Lagos State.

Please beware of anyone who tells you otherwise.

Please help check this VIN:


1HGCG66812A146186


God bless you.

Thank you.

God bless you.

Still hoping,

Please help check this VIN:


1HGCG6686YA089251


God bless you.

.

Bump!

Please help with this VIN:

1HGCG1657WA803068

Thanks

Please help with this VIN:

1HGCG1657WA803068

Thanks

Help!

Please help check this VIN:


1HGCG6675XA042167

its for car @
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-374454.0.html

Thanks

@poster,

What is the place where the land is located called? Landmarks?
Is it an estate? What is the name?
How far is it from Lagos Road?
What do you mean by serviced, fenced and gated? Is each plot fenced? What services are provided?
What is the level of development?
What title documents do you have?

Bump